A Journey Through Eating Disorders Support & Recovery

Note: In this blog, we use identity-first language (e.g., “an autistic individual”) to reflect those who embrace autism as an identity category – a diverse way of perceiving and interacting with the world (Taboas et al., 2022; Bury et al., 2020). However, we recognize that this language choice may not be suitable for everyone in the community. Whenever possible, please…

What is Binge Eating Disorder (BED)? Binge eating disorder (BED) stands out as the most prevalent eating disorder in the United States, surpassing the combined prevalence of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa (NIMH). Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurring episodes of uncontrollable eating, involving the consumption of large quantities of food, typically done rapidly and in secrecy. Unlike other…

Eating disorders are serious but treatable conditions that can be experienced by anyone at any point in their life. Some people may even experience eating disorders during pregnancy. In fact, nearly 12% of pregnant people report eating disorder symptoms during their pregnancy or postpartum. This can pose particular challenges for an individual and can lead to health problems for both…

As the Collaborative of Eating Disorders (CEDO), we are extremely concerned about the lack of consideration for eating disorders in Oprah’s Special: Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution that aired on March 18, 2024. While Oprah’s personal journey and body autonomy is very important, the Special unfortunately perpetuates diet culture and anti-fat bias, which can often fuel the development…

At The Alliance, one of our core missions is to provide education on topics surrounding eating disorders (EDs). We find that covering the nuanced issues that affect folks with eating disorders and their loved ones helps our community be more understanding, proactive, and resilient. Eating disorders are mental illnesses with severe physical side effects. Some of these side effects are…

Eating disorders are common, serious, and treatable health conditions. But why do some people experience eating disorders while others do not? Though there is no definitive answer to this question, many researchers and healthcare professionals believe genetics play a role in the development of an eating disorder. This article will dive deeper into the role genetics play, describe important studies…

The Alliance’s call to action of Not One More is vital to allowing new awareness to emerge and grow. I wonder though that in the first moments of hearing “not one more” it is possible that some of us may experience frustration and fear rising and causing a cloud of fog to emerge that keeps us from believing in the…

Not One More Day Without Care: A Call to End Weight Bias in Healthcare Seeking medical care should be a straightforward decision, yet the reality for many people is that it is clouded by anxiety and shame in anticipation of fatphobia and weight-related concerns from healthcare providers. Imagine the following scenarios: Having a sore throat, fever, and lightheadedness – symptoms…

One in seven. One in five. 41.9 million. Males who experience an eating disorder by age 40. Females who experience an eating disorder by age 40. Estimated number of unrepresented global eating disorder cases in 2019. (1, 2) The toll these disorders take on human life is staggering, not just in sheer numbers but in cases that so often impact…

I remember the first time the word fat was used as an insult to me — kindergarten. Recklessly thrown at me for just existing as a 5-year-old in a large body, the word fat became the thing I feared most. I began to see my body only as something to shrink. My love for cheese and apples turned into apples…