Eating disorders impact over eight million people. Eating disorders affect so much more than just an individual’s relationship with food but impact all areas of life. They are one of the deadliest mental illnesses, second only to opioid use disorder and can lead to a variety of severe medical complications that compromise all major organ systems.
At the ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders and Severe Malnutrition, we are committed to Not One More and believe a world without eating disorders is possible. Early identification and intervention are two of the ways a world without eating disorders is possible.
But where does it start?
It starts at home and in our communities.
Families, educators, and policymakers are often unaware of the complexities of eating disorders and the importance of early intervention and treatment accessibility. Access to educational resources can help communities provide support for those suffering.
It starts with medical providers.
Unbeknownst to most providers, many of those suffering from eating disorders seek out medical care from emergency rooms, general practitioners, and specialists to manage complications of their eating disorders. With continuing education, medical resources ,and outreach, providers can be armed with knowledge that helps them identify eating disorders early.
It starts with researchers.
Ongoing research allows the entire field to benefit from greater insight into the development of an eating disorder, how and why medical complications manifest and the efficacies of treatment methods. This advances our understanding of eating disorders and is the basis of providing the highest quality of care possible.
It starts with us all.
By changing the way you talk about food, dieting, and appearance you can create an environment that fosters a balanced relationship with food. Sharing your story or being someone that’s proven they’re a safe person to share that story with creates a dialogue surrounding mental health and eating disorders.
Not One More
While Not One More isn’t our reality today, we know there’s a future where it’s possible. We reflect on all the progress that’s been made in communities, medicine, and research, and acknowledge the dedication and care of millions of people worldwide that are pushing us closer to that reality every day.
We look forward to the day when Not One More person is fighting this battle alone, Not One More person is lost due to medical complications or suicide and Not One More person is left without options.
ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders and Severe Malnutrition is on a mission to further improve access to expert medical stabilization care for all persons affected by the severe medical complications of eating disorders, as well as those suffering with severe malnutrition stemming from advanced disease or infection. ACUTE is the only dedicated inpatient medical stabilization program in the country with the resources, environment and experience to treat the most medically severe cases of eating disorders and malnutrition.