February 5 to 11 is Eating Disorders Awareness Week

The second week in February marks Eating Disorders Awareness week. The aim of this week is to bring attention to eating disorders, educate people about the dangers of eating disorders, and encourage sufferers to reach out and get help.

This year’s theme is “celebrating our natural sizes.” That means that a healthy weight and size can be different for all of us, depending on our height, muscle tone, and build. The important thing is that we exercise and eat a healthy, well-balanced, whole food diet. Unfortunately, many people (including media representations) focus on weight, when the focus should be on health.

The three common eating disorders include anorexia (characterized by under-eating and/or over-exercising), bulimia (characterized by binging and purging), and binge-eating. However, an eating disorder does not necessarily fall under any of these categories.

Research shows that eating disorders are likely to develop during the transition period between adolescence and adulthood, and contrary to popular belief, eating disorders affect boys and men too.

Although these disorders manifest themselves through physical symptoms, they are caused by underlying mental health issues that need to be addressed by a professional.

All eating disorders are dangerous. If you think you may have an eating disorder, or you suspect someone you know does, seek help.