Art therapy is a powerful tool in eating disorder (ED) recovery, offering a non-verbal way to process emotions, challenge negative thoughts, and reconnect with the body. It helps individuals express feelings that may be difficult to put into words, promoting healing and self-discovery.

Culturally competent ED care means recognizing and addressing the unique experiences, values, and challenges that individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds face when seeking treatment. Since eating disorders are often underdiagnosed in people of color , culturally competent care is essential for ensuring equitable, effective, and inclusive recovery support.

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.

The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) is the official manual used by doctors, psychologists, and mental health professionals to diagnose mental health conditions, including eating disorders. It provides standardized criteria that help determine if someone meets the clinical definition of a disorder.

Awareness ribbons are used to show support, raise awareness, and honor those affected by eating disorders (EDs). Different colors are associated with different types of eating disorders, recovery journeys, and advocacy efforts.

Equine-assisted therapy is a unique and effective approach to eating disorder (ED) recovery that involves interacting with horses to promote emotional healing, self-awareness, and body acceptance. Unlike traditional talk therapy, equine therapy engages individuals in nonverbal, hands-on experiences that help develop trust, emotional regulation, and self-confidence.

Art therapy is a powerful tool in eating disorder (ED) recovery, offering a non-verbal way to process emotions, challenge negative thoughts, and reconnect with the body. It helps individuals express feelings that may be difficult to put into words, promoting healing and self-discovery.

Eating disorders affect people of all races and ethnicities, but they are frequently underdiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or dismissed in Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, and other communities of color. This lack of recognition leads to delayed treatment, increased medical risks, and worse recovery outcomes compared to white individuals.

The short answer is yes, having one eating disorder (ED) increases the risk of developing another, but it’s not inevitable. Understanding why this happens and how to prevent it can help you stay on a path toward full recovery rather than shifting between different ED behaviors.

Shopping for clothes might seem like an ordinary activity, but for someone with an eating disorder (ED), it can be a highly triggering and distressing experience. Clothing sizes, body image concerns, and self-judgment can make shopping feel overwhelming, potentially leading to emotional distress, disordered behaviors, or self-comparison spirals.

Many people think osteoporosis and bone loss only happen to older adults, but the truth is bone health is built during childhood, teen years, and early adulthood. If you’ve struggled with an eating disorder, overexercise, or nutrient deficiencies, your bones might already be at risk—even if you're young.

Exercise is essential for overall health, but excessive exercise can lead to serious physical, mental, and emotional health risks. Overexercise is particularly concerning in individuals with eating disorders, body image concerns, or compulsive exercise tendencies, as it can cause injury, burnout, and long-term health complications.

GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Saxenda) are increasingly used for weight management and diabetes, including in patients who have had bariatric surgery. However, there are important considerations regarding safety, effectiveness, and interactions with eating behaviors that must be addressed.

Bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, or lap-band procedures, is often considered for individuals with obesity-related health concerns. However, when eating disorders (EDs) are present or untreated, bariatric treatment comes with significant risks, psychological challenges, and potential worsening of disordered eating behaviors.

The prevalence of eating disorders among teenagers has seen a significant uptick. Between 2018 and 2022, health visits related to eating disorders for individuals under 17 more than doubled in the United States. Globally, the proportion of children and adolescents experiencing disordered eating reached 22.36% between 1999 and 2022

Eating disorder recovery can be emotionally exhausting, overwhelming, and frustrating—but humor can be a powerful coping tool that makes the journey a little lighter. While eating disorders are serious, finding moments of laughter can ease anxiety, reduce stress, and help reframe difficult situations.

Puberty is a critical period for physical, emotional, and psychological development, but it can also be a high-risk time for the onset of eating disorders. The combination of hormonal changes, body image concerns, social pressures, and emotional shifts makes adolescents more vulnerable to developing disordered eating behaviors.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and eating disorders (EDs) often co-occur, creating a complex and emotionally intense cycle of impulsivity, fear of abandonment, self-destructive behaviors, and difficulties with emotional regulation. Individuals with both conditions may struggle with extreme emotions, unstable self-image, and disordered eating as a way to cope with distress.

Substance use and eating disorders (EDs) frequently co-occur, creating higher health risks and making recovery more challenging. Individuals with EDs may use substances to suppress appetite, control weight, numb emotions, or cope with distress. Because both conditions reinforce each other, treatment must address both the eating disorder and substance use simultaneously.

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in metabolism, energy levels, and overall health. Eating disorders—especially those involving restriction, purging, or bingeing—can severely impact thyroid function, leading to hormonal imbalances, slowed metabolism, and long-term health complications.