February 1 – 7 is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

Jan 19, 2024

At CMHA we believe in your right to be comfortable with your natural weight, shape and size.

That is why, from February 1st to 7th every year, we join groups across Canada in recognizing Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW), a national week of action focused on educating the public about Eating Disorders.

Eating Disorders affect people of all genders, sexual orientations, ages, socioeconomic class, abilities, races, and ethnic backgrounds. [NEDIC]

If you’re facing a challenge with an eating disorder, you’re not alone. Unfortunately in our society it has become common to worry about bodyweight, shape and size.

For some people this worry becomes an eating disorder. Eating disorders can be damaging for you, your friends and family. They can affect all parts of your life; your relationships, work performance, and your physical and emotional well-being.

People suffering from these disorders may:

under-eat
binge eat an extremely large amount of food in a short period of time and often feels out of control
have an obsessive desire to be thinner
judge self-worth based on body shape and weight
try to control their weight by vomiting, excessive exercise, abusing laxatives, diet pills or diuretics

As a parent or friend, you may notice some of all of these changes:

rapid weight loss
not gaining weight at an appropriate rate
hair loss
avoiding food and avoiding situations that involve food
binge eating and or vomiting
excessive exercise
difficulty concentrating or completing school assignments

As part of Eating Disorders Awareness Week, we are sharing Rachel’s Recovery Story. Thank you to Rachel for sharing her journey to support others who are struggling or in recovery.

Read Rachel’s Recovery Story

Resources