NEDAW stands for National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. This year, NEDAW takes place from February 23rd to March 1st, with the theme Every BODY Belongs. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, eating disorders can be defined as serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect all types of people, and there is no single reason or cause of an eating disorder. Rather, it is a complex combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. 

There are many different types of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, pica, and vigorexia. All of them have differences, but they are still the same: an eating disorder, a mental and physical illness. Eating disorders share core features: distorted body image, being over-controlled about what you eat, being obsessive or avoidant with food, an intense fear of weight gain or loss and emotional struggles. 

Contrary to popular belief, eating disorders are rather common, and they can affect anyone: gender, race, nationality or even religion. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, about 9% of the US population, or 30 million Americans, will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. According to Plos.org, studies have shown that about 50% of pre-adolescent girls and 30% of pre-adolescent boys dislike their bodies. An estimated 1 in 5 teens has or shows conduct of an eating disorder. 

This week is not a week to feel pity about people who struggle with an eating disorder, but rather is a week to support them through their journey and their path of healing. You may know someone who has an eating disorder without even knowing. It might be your friend, your partner, your parents, your teachers, or even yourself. They may not share their struggles with you or with anyone because of shame, embarrassment or even just in the pursuit of control. 

That is why this week is so important, to raise awareness that people who struggle with eating disorders are not alone, you are not alone. EveryBODY is beautiful and everyBODY should be nourished, and everyBODY should not be ashamed of their body. 

Remember, you are not alone. If you know someone who struggles with their food relationship, or if you want to know more about eating disorders, go to nationaleatingdisorders.org. NEDA offers more information about eating disorders, and they also offer a screen completely free and confidential.