Allure Is Teaming Up With NEDA for National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

De Elizabeth
We'll be publishing content throughout the week to help fight the stigma surrounding eating disorders.

Society has come a long way when it comes to understanding eating disorders for what they are: a mental illness that affects 30 million Americans of all ages, races, and genders. But, unfortunately, there’s still a lot of stigma attached to them — and plenty of misconceptions about who can develop one. That’s why the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) dedicates one week out of the year to raising awareness about eating disorders, in an effort to educate others and remind those struggling that they aren’t alone.

This year, NEDA’s National Eating Disorder Awareness Week puts the spotlight on inclusivity with the theme Come As You Are. The campaign, which runs from February 25 through March 3, aims to amplify voices within marginalized communities and break down the stigma surrounding the reality of eating disorders.

Allure will be publishing content throughout the week in conjunction with this theme, all of which you can find below on this page as it goes live, alongside all of our existing eating disorder-related content. You can also follow us along on our social accounts (click here to find us on Twitter, here for Facebook, and here for Instagram) to see an AMA with Claire Mysko, the CEO of NEDA, and take part in other important conversations during this week.

NEDA writes on its website, “We aim to start conversations with a variety of communities that struggle at comparable rates to those traditionally thought of as struggling with eating disorders.” While Hollywood frequently portrays eating disorders as affecting young, white, and often affluent women, the truth is that eating disorders can and do affect all people — but not everyone receives the same level of treatment.

According to one study, people of color are less likely to receive medical help than their white peers, despite a similar prevalence of eating disorders. LGBTQ people are also at higher risk for developing eating disorders and face barriers for receiving treatment.

Between the years 1999 to 2009, the number of men hospitalized for an eating disorder-related cause increased by 53 percent, according to NEDA. And, as pointed out by Mirror-Mirror, the number of men who might be dealing with eating disorders, in general, could be a lot higher than data shows, due to underreporting as a result of stigma.

As part of NEDA’s Awareness Week, the organization is sharing a wealth of resources, including statistics surrounding bullying, sexual assault, and substance abuse, to focus on how these issues can impact those with eating disorders. The organization also asks the public to take their “Body Acceptance Challenge” — a pledge to “reject diet culture” by accepting your body, respecting others’ bodies, and fighting weight stigma.

Above all, NEDA wants everyone to know that their stories are valid, regardless of where they are in their recovery journey. "We invite everyone, especially those whose stories have not been widely recognized, to have the opportunity to speak out, share their experiences, and connect with others." Below, read our past coverage and coverage from this week to see what our contributors have to add to the conversation.

Catch Up on All Our Eating Disorder Coverage

Having My Preventative Double Mastectomy Forced Me to Face My Struggle With Bulimia by Kelly Iverson

I've Been on Diets Since Age 11, and I Regret Every Single One of Them by Ella Ceron

11 Things You Shouldn't Say to an Anorexia Survivor by De Elizabeth

What I Wish My Doctor Understood About My Eating Disorder by Rosemary Donahue

How I Realized I Have Body Dysmorphic Disorder by Jesa Marie Calaor

My Mother’s Death Set Me on the Path to Eating Disorder Recovery by Anastasia Selby

How Clear Teeth Aligners Can Affect People With Eating Disorders, Including Me by Rosemary Donahue

A Survivor Shares the Truth About Recovering From Anorexia by Lily Herman

If you are currently struggling, there is help available and you are not alone. For treatment options, visit the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) or contact NEDA’s Live Helpline at (800) 931-2237. They're available from Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 9 pm (EST), and on Friday, 9 am to 5 pm (EST). If you're currently in a crisis, you can text NEDA to 741741 — this is available 24 hours a day/seven days a week.

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