29 Million Americans will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. Eating disorders result in around 10,200 deaths each year. With stigma surrounding eating disorders relating to body size, less than 6% of individuals diagnosed with an eating disorder have a medical diagnosis categorizing them as “underweight”. There tends to be a mindset that in order to have an eating disorder your body needs to look a certain way, but clearly this is not true.
The annual observance of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAW) is February 24th through March 2nd, 2025. Part of the territory that comes with spreading awareness of eating disorders is also educating yourself on how to support people in your life who may be struggling with habits indicative of an eating disorder, or may have received a new diagnosis and need extra support. It can be challenging to observe someone who is important to you experience an eating disorder. Obvious changes such as unexplained weight loss, sudden restrictive rules surrounding food, or extra time spent worrying about food and body image are common first signs that there may be trouble lurking.
For starters, reading this post shows that you care and are trying to understand how they’re feeling. If there is a need for immediate concern, reaching out to a doctor, registered dietitian, or a therapist that specializes in disordered eating for help is important. One of the hardest steps to take is reaching out for help when you or someone you know is struggling. Offering to help find a provider or going to that first appointment with them can be a big support when starting the process of recovery.
Treatment for eating disorders looks different for every individual. Treatment options vary by location, length of time spent in treatment and therapeutic modalities offered, which is why it’s important to find a program that values customized care. The severity of diagnosis can determine if in-patient or out-patient services are needed. It is important to note that not everybody is going to be ready for immediate intervention, and you can’t force behavioral change. Sometimes it can be tricky to support people, and sometimes you aren’t able to approach the subject. Expressing concern can be helpful but it is imperative to not sound accusatory or approach the conversation with a negative tone. Broadly mentioning a noticeable shift in their energy or mental health and expressing that you want to support them can be helpful. Share that you are here for them and want to offer support however you can.
Talking about eating disorders and expressing concern is a delicate topic. If there is not a need for direct intervention, modeling healthy behaviors related to food could be beneficial. Supporting a loved one at home can look like taking the focus away from food and weight. Being mindful to not discuss topics such as weight or what you ate today, or negatively discuss your own personal body or appearance. Knowing sometimes that you can’t approach people is important. It can be a delicate conversation but leading through example and sharing positive affirmations in what you do and your approach to food/body image can be extremely impactful. If you suspect a loved one is struggling or you are struggling yourself with a negative relationship with food, we are here to help! Reach out today at hello@untamednutrition.com.
-Written by dietetic student intern, Chloe Bowyer (Grand Valley State University)
-Reviewed by Allison Bone, MS, RD, CEDS
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