National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
February 25th – March 3rd, 2019
The theme of 2019’s National Eating Disorder Awareness Week is one of inclusivity, “Come as You Are, Not as You Think You Should Be.” Eating disorders are serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact a person’s health, emotions and ability to function in important areas of life. The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder.
According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD):
➢ At least 30 million people of all ages and genders suffer from an eating disorder in the U.S.
➢ Every 62 minutes at least one person dies as a direct result from an eating disorder.
➢ Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.
➢ 13% of women over 50 engage in eating disorder behaviors.
➢ Eating disorders affect all races and ethnic groups.
➢ Genetics, environmental factors, and personality traits all combine to create risk for an eating disorder.
Most eating disorders involve focusing too much on weight, body shape and food, leading to dangerous eating behavior which significantly impacts the body’s ability to get appropriate nutrition. Eating disorders can harm the heart, digestive system, bones, and teeth and mouth, and lead to other diseases.
Eating disorders often develop in the teen and young adult years, although they can develop at other ages. With treatment, affected persons can return to healthier eating habits and sometimes reverse serious complications caused by the eating disorder.
When to see a doctor
Eating disorders can be difficult to manage or overcome alone. They can virtually take over your life so seek medical help now if you suspect you have a disorder.
Urging a loved one to seek treatment
If you’re worried about a loved one, urge them to talk to a doctor. Even if your loved one isn’t ready to acknowledge having an issue with food, you can open the door by expressing concern and a desire to listen.
Be alert for eating patterns and beliefs that may signal unhealthy behavior. Here are some of Red flags:
- Skipping meals or making excuses for not eating
- Making own meals rather than eating with family
- Withdrawing from normal social activities
- Persistent worry about being fat or losing weight
- Frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws
- Repeatedly eating large amounts of sweets or high-fat foods
- Use of dietary supplements or laxatives
- Excessive exercise or eating in secret
- Leaving during meal to use the toilet
- Expressing depression, disgust, shame or guilt about eating habits
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
March 9, 2019 is the GFWC-NC Arts Festival at the Mebane Arts Center
Spend the day with us! Get started on your Passport to Learning, enjoy a variety of workshops and the Victory Junction Bear Assembly. Take the Art Walk and view all the award-winning entries!
Registrations are due by February 25th!