NEDA Week (National Eating Disorders Awareness Week): What It Is & Why It Matters

National Eating Disorders Awareness (NEDA) Week is an annual campaign held in late February to raise awareness, provide education, and promote recovery from eating disorders (EDs). Hosted by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), this week aims to challenge stereotypes, reduce stigma, and increase access to support for those affected by EDs.

What Is the Purpose of NEDA Week?

Goals of NEDA Week:

·         Raise awareness about eating d isorders

o   Educate the public about signs, symptoms, and risk factors of eating disorders

o   Break the stereotype that EDs only affect thin, white women—eating disorders impact people of all genders, sizes, races, and backgrounds

·         Promote early detection and intervention

o   Many EDs go undiagnosed or untreated—NEDA Week helps people recognize warning signs and seek help sooner

·         Increase access to resources and support

o   NEDA provides free screening tools, helplines, and recovery resources

o   Many treatment centers and organizations offer support groups, events, and outreach during this week

·         Challenge diet culture and weight stigma

o   NEDA Week encourages body positivity, self-acceptance, and intuitive eating

o   Promotes awareness of how media, social pressures, and unrealistic beauty standards contribute to disordered eating

·         NEDA Week is about education, advocacy, and support—it reminds people that recovery is possible and help is available

NEDA Week Events & Activities:

·         Social media campaigns (hashtags, personal recovery stories, infographics)

·         Free ED screening tools to encourage early detection

·         Educational webinars & panel discussions with experts and advocates

·         Fundraising walks & awareness events across the U.S.

·         Support groups & community discussions for those in recovery

·         NEDA Week events bring people together to learn, advocate, and support recovery efforts

How to Get Involved in NEDA Week

Ways to Participate in NEDA Week:

·         Share ED Awareness on Social Media

o   Post personal recovery stories, infographics, or supportive messages

o   Use hashtags like #NEDAwareness, #EDRecovery, #EndTheStigma

·         Educate Yourself and Others

o   Learn about different types of eating disorders (not just anorexia)

o   Discuss the dangers of diet culture, weight stigma, and media influence

·         Take the NEDA Online Screening Test

o   A free, confidential tool to assess if you or someone you know might have an eating disorder

·         Attend Virtual or In-Person NEDA Events

o   Webinars, Q&As, and awareness campaigns bring together experts and recovery advocates

·         Donate or Fundraise for ED Support Services

o   NEDA and other organizations provide helplines, treatment scholarships, and advocacy work—donations help expand these resources

·         Support Someone in Recovery

o   If a friend or loved one is struggling, show them you care

o   Offer non-judgmental support and encourage professional help

·         NEDA Week is a time for action—whether it’s learning, sharing, or supporting recovery efforts, every contribution matters.

Resources Available During NEDA Week

·         Where to Find Support & Information:

o   NEDA Helpline → Call or text (800) 931-2237 for free, confidential support

o   NEDA Website → www.nationaleatingdisorders.org for resources & event listings

o   NEDA Screening Tool → Free self-assessment for ED risk factors

o   Recovery Blogs & Stories → Personal accounts to inspire hope & healing

o   Support Groups → Online & in-person options for those affected by eating disorders

o   If you or someone you love is struggling, NEDA provides valuable tools to help

Why NEDA Week Matters

·         Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, outside of opiod abuse

·         People of all races, genders, and sizes can have EDs—awareness helps break stereotypes

·         Early intervention improves recovery outcomes—education can save lives

·         Support, community, and advocacy help reduce stigma & increase access to care

·         NEDA Week is about spreading awareness, breaking stigma, and reminding those struggling that they are not alone. Recovery is possible, and help is available

NEDA Week  Participation Guide and Resources

NEDA Week is a time to spread awareness, educate, and support those affected by eating disorders (EDs). Whether you’re in recovery, supporting a loved one, or advocating for change, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference!

Ways to Raise Awareness & Show Support:

·         Share on Social Media

o   Post personal recovery stories, awareness facts, or supportive messages

o   Use hashtags like #NEDAwareness, #EDRecovery, #EndTheStigma

o   Share NEDA’s official graphics & statistics (Download Here)

·         Take the NEDA Screening Tool

o   A free, confidential tool to assess if you or a loved one may be struggling with an eating disorder

o   Take it here: NEDA Screening Tool

·         Attend a NEDA Event

o   Look for virtual webinars, Q&A sessions, and live panel discussions

o   Many universities, treatment centers, and support groups hold special NEDA Week events

o   Check for local fundraising walks, recovery panels, or advocacy meetups

·         Start a Conversation

o   Educate your friends, family, or workplace about the realities of eating disorders

o   Talk about the dangers of diet culture, weight stigma, and unrealistic beauty standards

o   Encourage open discussions about mental health and body image

·         Fundraise or Donate to NEDA

o   Help expand NEDA’s helpline, free screenings, and recovery support

o   Start a fundraising event, a bake sale, or a social media donation drive

o   Donate directly here: Donate to NEDA.

·         Support Someone in Recovery

o   Check in with a friend or loved one who may be struggling

o   Offer compassionate, non-judgmental support

o   Encourage them to seek help if needed

·         Even small actions—like sharing a post or checking in on a friend—can help reduce stigma and save lives.

 Official NEDA Week Schedule & Events List: Coming Soon on www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

Expected Events Include:

• Virtual Webinars & Expert Panels (Nutrition, Therapy, & Recovery Strategies).

• Social Media Challenges (Recovery storytelling & awareness campaigns).

• Educational Workshops (For schools, workplaces, & communities).

• NEDA Walks (In-person & virtual fundraising walks for ED awareness).

Stay Updated: Check NEDA’s website and social media for event announcements.

NEDA Week Resources for Support & Education

 NEDA Helpline: Call or text (800) 931-2237 for free, confidential support.
Website: www.nationaleatingdisorders.org (Screening tools, treatment directories, and educational materials).
Online Support Groups: Find a Support Group.
📚 Educational Resources: Free downloadable guides on recovery, body image, and nutrition (Explore Here).
Crisis Text Line: Text NEDA to 741741 for 24/7 crisis support.

 How to Make NEDA Week a Year-Round Commitment

·         Advocate for Better Eating Disorder Treatment & Awareness

·         Challenge diet culture in everyday conversations

·         Support body-positive and inclusive media representations

·         Encourage mental health discussions at schools & workplaces

·         Continue checking in on friends, family, or yourself

NEDA Week is more than just 7 days—it’s a movement to create a world where eating disorders are understood, treated, and prevented.

Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs immediate help, please contact a healthcare professional or crisis intervention service immediately.