Eating Disorder Awareness Week
Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW) acts as a crucial reminder of the impact eating disorders have on individuals, families and communities. This dedicated week shines a light on eating disorders to challenge misconceptions, promote education, support and recovery.
Why Eating Disorder Awareness Matters
Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binge eating disorder, avoidant / restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) are complex mental health conditions affecting people of all ages, genders, ethnicities and backgrounds.
Eating disorders are not just about food, but are complex conditions influenced by genetic, psychological and societal factors.
Right now, at least 1.25 million people in the UK are living with an eating disorder. That’s more than 1 in 50 people – but the real number could be even higher.
Eating disorders don’t just affect the person with the condition, friends and family often become carers – feeling helpless and heartbroken, as they watch their loved one struggle. Eating disorders are one of the biggest mental health challenges of our time and they can affect anyone at any time.
Despite their prevalence, eating disorders are often misunderstood, mislabelled or misdiagnosed and many individuals struggle in silence due to misinformation and stigma. This needs to change.
Signs and Symptoms to look out for
Some common signs include:
- Drastic weight changes (although eating disorders can affect individuals at any weight)
- Obsession with food, calories or exercise
- Avoiding meals / eating in secret
- Extreme mood swings, anxiety or depression
- Digestive issues, dizziness or fatigue
- Withdrawal from social activities.
Recognising these symptoms early can help in seeking professional support and intervention.
How to support someone with an eating disorder
If you suspect someone may be struggling with an eating disorder, there are ways you can help:
- Listen without judgement
- Avoid focusing on appearance
- Encourage professional help
- Be patient and supportive
- Educate yourself
Break the stigma
One of the biggest barriers to recovery is the shame and misunderstanding surrounding eating disorders. Dispelling myths, sharing personal stories and engaging in conversations about mental health will help break the stigma – key to creating a more compassionate and informed society.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you can reach out to organisations, such as BEAT or local mental health services for support and guidance.
Hannah Carr, Legal Director and Specialist Medical Negligence Solicitor from MDS, said “Eating Disorder Awareness week aims to foster open discussions, inform and encourage early intervention. Awareness is key to ensuring those affected receive the support and treatment they deserve.”
MDS is a specialist medical negligence law firm. We specialise in claims involving cancer, maternity, and cauda equina syndrome. Our expert solicitors represent clients all around England and Wales, and we are dedicated to helping people who have been injured by medical negligence.
Our solicitors have extensive experience of representing clients and their families whose lives have been affected by medical negligence Click here to read more about how we can help you, and here to read our client’s stories.
If you are concerned about any care that you or a member of your family has received, please contact our experienced team on 0116 254 7456 or email: enquiries@moosaduke.com. You can also enquire online by clicking here.
