Eating Disorder Awareness Week

Source

 

Hello friends!

This week is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week.  I could explain what that means, but you all are smart and probably have some inkling of what I’m talking about 😉  Joking aside, though, this week is a great opportunity to learn about eating disorders and learn what can be done to prevent them and/or help those who are currently fighting.

First of all, click here to see a GREAT resource on what you can do this week to promote eating disorder awareness.

Secondly, I was just perusing some facts about eating disorders and how they’ve become more prevalent in the last 50+ years.  The statistics are frightening.

Did you know that:

• 42% of 1st-3rd grade girls want to be thinner (Collins, 1991).
• 81% of 10 year olds are afraid of being fat (Mellin et al., 1991).
• The average American woman is 5’4” tall and weighs 140 pounds.  The average American model is 5’11” tall and weighs 117 pounds.
• 91% of women recently surveyed on a college campus had attempted to control their weight through dieting, 22% dieted “often” or “always” (Kurth et al., 1995).

And these are just a few of the facts provided on the NEDA website (scroll down to the “facts and statistics” header to find more info).

Please, don’t be silent.  Speak up in recognition of those who silently fight this monster called Anorexia or Bulimia or whatever it may be.  Speak up in opposition of those who promote body dissatisfaction and poor body image.  Speak up in encouragement for those who promote health and wellness!  And speak up in love to those who don’t realize yet that they are fighting an eating disorder.

Source

Stay tuned for more information in the next few days about how to approach a loved one who needs help regarding an eating disorder.  Also coming your way will be tips on how to support those you know who are in the heat of their Eating Disorder battle.  And there may just be a fun recipe or two for good measure 🙂

Take care!

Blessings,

Beth