Edelweiss Behavioral Health LLC

Alyssa, Mary and Erika presenting about Eating Disorders at UW Health today! Well done ladies!

Eating disorders are complex biopsychosocial illnesses and do not discriminate based on age, race, gender, sexual orientation, size, or socioeconomic status.

Despite the common stereotype of eating disorders affecting only young, thin, white, cisgender, straight women, eating disorders disproportionately affect many marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ community. Transgender individuals have significantly greater prevalence of eating disorders than cisgender folks, but have less access to treatment and care.

As National Eating Disorders Awareness Week continues, it is important to look at how harmful weight stigma and bias is in all areas, but specifically as it relates to eating disorders.

Contrary to common stereotypes and myths, eating disorders do not have a specific “look”. In fact, larger body size is a risk factor for developing an eating disorder, and unfortunately weight stigma often prevents those in larger bodies from seeking treatment or receiving appropriate non-biased, weight-neutral care.

Today is day two of National Eating Disorders Awareness week. While it may seem scary to discuss mortality associated with eating disorders, it is important to recognize the significant and severe consequences of eating disorders. In fact, eating disorders have the second-highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses, second only to opioid overdose. (ANAD.org)

The good news is there is HOPE. Full recovery from eating disorders IS possible. If you or a loved one are struggling with an eating disorder, please seek professional treatment, or if in crisis, reach out to the National Su***de Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255.