February is National Eating Disorder Awareness Month. It is a time to share clear facts, challenge harmful myths, and remind people that help and recovery are possible.
At The Up Center, we support individuals and families facing mental health challenges, including eating disorders. Care is not one size fits all. It is about treating the whole person, not just food or weight. Learn more about our mental health services and how we can help you or a loved one.
What are Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions. They affect how a person eats, thinks about food, and sees their body. They can impact physical health, emotional well being, and daily life.
According to the National Eating Disorders Association, about 9 percent of people in the United States, or 28.8 million Americans, will experience an eating disorder at some point in their life. These conditions can affect anyone, at any age, and at any body size.
Types of Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa
A person severely restricts food, has an intense fear of weight gain, and often has a distorted view of their body.
Bulimia Nervosa
A person has cycles of binge eating followed by behaviors meant to prevent weight gain, such as vomiting or over exercising.
Binge Eating Disorder
A person eats large amounts of food in a short time and feels a loss of control. There is no regular purging behavior.
ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)
A person avoids or limits food due to sensory issues, fear of choking or vomiting, or lack of interest in eating. It is not driven by body image.
ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)
A person avoids or limits food due to sensory issues, fear of choking or vomiting, or lack of interest in eating. It is not driven by body image.
OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder)
A person has disordered eating behaviors that cause distress but do not fit neatly into one diagnosis.
Rumination Disorder
A person repeatedly brings food back up after eating and re chews or re swallows it.
Pica
A person repeatedly eats non-food items like dirt, paper, or chalk.
UFED (Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorder)
A diagnosis used when symptoms cause harm but there is not enough information to specify the type.
Eating Disorder Myths and Facts
Fact: Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses. They can be life threatening and involve deep emotional and psychological distress.
Fact: There is no evidence that parenting causes eating disorders. Genetics and environment can play a role, but families are not to blame.
Fact: Many people hide their symptoms. Eating disorders do not go away on their own and require support and treatment.
Fact: Dieting is strongly linked to eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and long term health issues.
Fact: Eating disorders affect people of all races, genders, ages, and body types.
Important Things to Know
- Eating disorders are not just about food.
- People of any weight or body size can have an eating disorder.
- Less than 6 percent of people with eating disorders are medically underweight.
- Recovery is possible with the right support.
- Eating disorders often overlap with trauma, substance use, and mental health conditions.
- About 1 in 5 people with an eating disorder will also develop a substance use disorder.
- Studies show higher risk among LGBTQ+ individuals, transgender college students, and veterans.
- Adults over 50 can and do experience eating disorders.
Why Awareness Matters
Many people go undiagnosed or untreated. Individuals in higher weight bodies are diagnosed at half the rate of those who are underweight, even though disordered eating behaviors are common across all body types.
Stigma and stereotypes delay care. Awareness helps people recognize symptoms earlier and seek help without shame.
How to Support Someone With an Eating Disorder
You do not need to be an expert to help.
- Break the cycle of diet culture and body shaming
- Promote self acceptance and respect for all bodies
- Listen without judgment or pressure
- Create a safe space for honest conversation
- Encourage professional help when needed
If you or someone you care about is struggling, support is available.
Support at The Up Center
The Up Center provides mental health services that address the emotional, behavioral, and life stressors connected to eating disorders. Treatment focuses on the whole person, not just eating habits.
Learn more or request services at:
www.theupcenter.org
If you need immediate help, contact your primary care provider or call the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline:
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support
