Changing eating habits—whether for eating disorder recovery, intuitive eating, or improving nutrition—is a gradual process that takes time, patience, and self-compassion. You won’t wake up one day with a completely different mindset, and that’s okay.

Dealing with unsupportive people can be frustrating, hurtful, and emotionally draining, especially when you're working hard on recovery. Journaling can help you process your feelings, set boundaries, and build self-confidence in handling these difficult situations.

Unfortunately, not everyone will be supportive or understanding of your eating disorder (ED) and recovery journey. Whether they dismiss your struggles, invalidate your experiences, or repeatedly ignore your boundaries, it can be frustrating and even harmful to your mental health.

Practicing boundary-setting through role-play exercises can help you feel more confident, prepared, and assertive when tough conversations arise. These exercises simulate real-life scenarios, giving you structured responses to use when someone pushes back on your boundaries.

Setting boundaries is an important part of eating disorder (ED) recovery, but not everyone will understand or respect them right away. Some people might push back, argue, or dismiss your boundaries, whether out of confusion, habit, or lack of awareness.

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