Did You Know…February is Eating Disorder Awareness Month?

By: Laden Maleki
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Eating disorders and body image concerns cause significant suffering for thousands of men and women each day. In the United States, as many as 10 million females and 1 million males are fighting a life and death battle with an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia and 25 million more are struggling with binge eating disorder. Approximately 10% of eating disordered individuals seeing mental health professionals are male.

Anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and muscle dysmorphia are eating disorders that include extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding weight and food issues. They are serious problems that can be devastating to one's health, productivity, and relationships. Eating disorders are complex and arise from a variety of causes. While eating disorders may begin with concerns about food and weight, they often result from an attempt to cope with deeper issues and painful emotions.

Psychological factors such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy can contribute to eating disorders. Further causes of eating disorders are interpersonal factors that may include troubled relationships, abuse, and difficulty expressing emotions. Cultural pressures that glorify thinness and cultural norms that value people predominantly on the basis of outer appearance are important social factors that may be involved in the development of an eating disorder.

Awareness is the first step in preventing the occurrence of an eating disorder and the promotion of early identification of an eating disorder. As eating disorders are impacting the lives of an increasing number of men and women in our society, awareness of the causes, signs, symptoms, and resources for those struggling with body image concerns and eating disorders is extremely important.

The Body Image/Eating Disorders Prevention Program at Washington State University's Health and Wellness Services will be collaborating with several groups on campus to promote Eating Disorders Awareness Month from February 25 to March 3, 2007. Information on eating disorders and body image will be provided February 23-25 at the Vagina Monologues performances. Additionally, information will be displayed during the month of February on the bulletin boards of the residence halls. Free yoga and NIA classes will be provided by the Student Recreation Center at the end of the month of February to promote a healthy relationship with one's mind, body, and spirit. Please join us in raising awareness of eating disorders by attending these events and informational sessions.