Eating disorders are real, complex, bio-psycho-social diseases that can have serious consequences for health, productivity, and relationships. They’re not fads, phases, or lifestyle choices.
According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), one person dies from an eating disorder every 62 minutes — eating disorders are the most deadly mental illness. Approximately 30 million people in the United States suffer from an eating disorder.
The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Other eating disorders include avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, rumination disorder, pica, other specified feeding or eating disorder, and unspecified feeding or eating disorder. Anyone can develop an eating disorder regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, culture, size, socioeconomic status, or sexual orientation. Eating disorders are treatable but require the care of a trained professional or a team of professionals with expertise in the treatment of eating disorders.
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is an annual initiative created by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), a nonprofit that offers programs and services to people experiencing eating disorders. This year, National Eating Disorders Awareness Week will be held from February 24th to March 1st and center on the theme “Come as You Are: Hindsight is 20/20.” During the week, NEDA will share stories, host events, and provide educational resources about eating disorders to the public. Visit the NEDA website to learn more about National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2020, and follow the movement on social media with #ComeAsYouAre and #NEDAwareness.
The Kantor & Kantor, LLP legal team is dedicated to helping people with eating disorders get the help they need. We represent people in claims against insurance companies and fight for the coverage of eating disorder treatment.