A Journey Through Eating Disorders Support & Recovery

Eating disorders (EDs) are complex, brain-based illnesses that have one of the highest mortality rates of any mental illness. They impact a significant portion of the global population, though, like many illnesses, they often go unnoticed and underdiagnosed. In fact, more than 70% of those struggling will never receive access to the eating disorder treatment they need and deserve.  Before…

These days, when someone mentions the benefits of sports or athletics, the conversation almost always hits the same few points: of course, athletics are good for physical health, but the benefits for social, mental, and emotional wellness bring the benefits of athletics to the next level. And while there’s plenty of anecdotal truth (and scientific data) to back up these…

Our relationships with our bodies are deeply personal, constantly shifting and evolving throughout our lifetimes. If you have lived experience with body image concerns, disordered eating, or an eating disorder, adopting a positive (or even neutral) mindset about your body can feel like an unrealistic—if not altogether impossible—task. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), body…

Eating disorders are serious conditions that can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, body size, and socioeconomic background. Eating disorders impact nearly 10% of the American population, making it a significant health concern. But did you know that 45% of those who experience eating disorders achieve full recovery? And that nearly 80% of people with eating disorders achieve partial recovery?…

Note: In this blog, we use identity-first language (e.g., “an autistic individual”) to reflect those who embrace autism as an identity category – a diverse way of perceiving and interacting with the world (Taboas et al., 2022; Bury et al., 2020). However, we recognize that this language choice may not be suitable for everyone in the community. Whenever possible, please…

What is Binge Eating Disorder (BED)? Binge eating disorder (BED) stands out as the most prevalent eating disorder in the United States, surpassing the combined prevalence of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa (NIMH). Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurring episodes of uncontrollable eating, involving the consumption of large quantities of food, typically done rapidly and in secrecy. Unlike other…

Eating disorders are serious but treatable conditions that can be experienced by anyone at any point in their life. Some people may even experience eating disorders during pregnancy. In fact, nearly 12% of pregnant people report eating disorder symptoms during their pregnancy or postpartum. This can pose particular challenges for an individual and can lead to health problems for both…

As the Collaborative of Eating Disorders (CEDO), we are extremely concerned about the lack of consideration for eating disorders in Oprah’s Special: Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution that aired on March 18, 2024. While Oprah’s personal journey and body autonomy is very important, the Special unfortunately perpetuates diet culture and anti-fat bias, which can often fuel the development…

At The Alliance, one of our core missions is to provide education on topics surrounding eating disorders (EDs). We find that covering the nuanced issues that affect folks with eating disorders and their loved ones helps our community be more understanding, proactive, and resilient. Eating disorders are mental illnesses with severe physical side effects. Some of these side effects are…

Eating disorders are common, serious, and treatable health conditions. But why do some people experience eating disorders while others do not? Though there is no definitive answer to this question, many researchers and healthcare professionals believe genetics play a role in the development of an eating disorder. This article will dive deeper into the role genetics play, describe important studies…