Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2025: The Time is Now

By Jacqueline Sierzega
Manger of Eating Disorder Services

According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), 9% of the U.S. population, or 28.8 million Americans, will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. While 15% of women suffer from an eating disorder before their 50s, only 27% of them receive treatment. BIPOC people are just as likely to be affected by eating disorders as their white peers, but they are half as likely to be diagnosed. And finally, the LGBTQ+ community is three times as likely to have an eating disorder when compared to their straight peers.

Organized by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) is an annual campaign focused on driving awareness about the realities of eating disorders and providing hope for those impacted. Planned for Monday, February 24 - Sunday, March 2, 2025, NEDA believes increased visibility can help grow awareness, access to treatment and help break down barriers to recovery.

Common Eating Disorder Warning Signs.

Eating disorders are very treatable and early detection correlates to better outcomes. While it can be difficult to identify someone who has an eating disorder, there are early signs, like a noticeable change in a person’s feelings about their body or food. Regardless, not everyone experiences the same symptoms. According to ANAD, some of the most common are:

Emotional/Behavioral:

• Weight loss, dieting, and control of food are primary concerns
• Food rituals
• Social withdrawal
• Frequent dieting, body checking
• Extreme mood swings

Physical:

• Noticeable weight fluctuations
• Gastrointestinal complaints
• Dizziness upon standing
• Difficulty concentrating, sleeping
• Issues with dental, skin, hair, and nail health

Awareness is key.

This year’s EDAW theme, “The Time is Now” has the goal of sharing knowledge and resources, encouraging early detection and treatment and supporting ongoing research. Together, the healthcare community centers their efforts each year on lived eating disorder experience and education, reaching people who may not realize they or a loved one may be at risk and to providing resources needed for treatment and support.

How you can get involved.

Endeavor Health Linden Oaks Hospital encourages the community to commit to participating in one of the following opportunities during EDAW:

• Become an EDAW Collaborator: People from all walks of life are impacted by eating disorders, and all are invited to help raise awareness during EDAW and beyond. Sign up to be a collaborator, find additional ways to participate, download resources and connect with other community collaborators.
• Join the Lighting Campaign: Buildings across the United States will light up in the colors blue and green during Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Visit he NEDA website for a listing of states and landmarks that will work together to shed much needed light in support of EDAW.
• Access Resources that Help: From online screening tolls to student-focused campaigns and downloadable social media collateral, NEDA has everything you need to share awareness and help more individuals get the care they need.

Finding more support.

Treatment of eating disorders is just one of the many services that Endeavor Health Linden Oaks Hospital provides. Our team is available for consultation regarding all aspects of eating disorders and other behavioral health concerns. To connect with a certified therapist for assessment, please call the Help Line 24 hours a day at (847) HEALING and one of our professionals will assist.