National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
(February 23rd - March 1st)
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is an opportunity to increase understanding of eating disorders, challenge common misconceptions, and emphasize that recovery is possible with the right support. Eating disorders affect people of all ages, genders, body sizes, and backgrounds, yet many individuals struggle in silence due to stigma or lack of access to care.
Raising awareness is a critical step toward earlier intervention, improved outcomes, and greater compassion—for ourselves and for others.
What Are Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterized by disturbances in eating behaviors, thoughts, and emotions related to food, weight, and body image. They are not lifestyle choices or phases, but complex illnesses influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors.
Common eating disorders include:
Anorexia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa
Binge-eating disorder
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)
Eating disorders can have significant medical and psychological consequences and require timely, specialized care.
Who Is Affected?
Eating disorders do not have a “look.” They affect individuals across the lifespan and across diverse identities. While they are often associated with adolescents or young women, eating disorders are increasingly recognized in adults, men, older individuals, and people in larger bodies.
Because many symptoms are hidden, eating disorders are frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated.
Warning Signs and Symptoms
Early recognition can be lifesaving. Warning signs may include:
Preoccupation with food, weight, calories, or body shape
Restrictive eating, bingeing, purging, or compulsive exercise
Avoidance of meals or social eating situations
Significant weight changes or weight suppression
Anxiety, irritability, or guilt related to eating
Physical symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, or gastrointestinal issues
Not all individuals will show the same signs, and severity does not correlate with body size.
The Impact of Stigma
Stigma remains a major barrier to care. Misconceptions—such as the belief that someone must be underweight to have an eating disorder—can delay diagnosis and treatment. Shame and fear of judgment often prevent individuals from seeking help.
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week encourages conversations that normalize help-seeking and emphasize that eating disorders are medical and psychological conditions, not personal failures.
Evidence-Based Treatment and Recovery
Recovery from an eating disorder is possible, and early, coordinated treatment improves outcomes. Treatment plans are individualized and may include:
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-E), family-based treatment (FBT), or other evidence-based approaches
Medical monitoring to address physical complications
Nutritional support from trained professionals
Psychiatric care, including medication when appropriate
Recovery is not always linear. Progress often involves learning to manage symptoms, rebuild trust with the body, and develop healthier coping strategies over time.
Supporting Someone With an Eating Disorder
If you are concerned about someone:
Approach the conversation with empathy rather than confrontation
Focus on health and wellbeing, not weight or appearance
Encourage professional evaluation and support
Remember that you cannot force recovery, but you can reduce isolation
Resources and Support
Access to reliable information and support can make a meaningful difference.
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
NEDA provides education, screening tools, support resources, and advocacy for individuals affected by eating disorders.
Educational materials and awareness campaigns
Confidential screening tools
Referrals to treatment and support resources
If you or someone you love is in crisis, immediate medical or emergency support is essential.
Final Thoughts
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a reminder that eating disorders are serious, treatable mental health conditions—and that awareness saves lives. Compassion, education, and early intervention can change the course of illness and support lasting recovery.
If concerns about eating, body image, or weight are impacting your life, help is available.
If you are struggling with eating, body image, or related concerns, you are not alone. At Tranquility Psychiatry, we provide compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support recovery from eating disorders. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the next step toward support.
