Each year on June 2, communities across the globe unite for World Eating Disorders Action DayTM (WEDAD), a collective effort to raise awareness, inspire action, and advocate for those affected by eating disorders. This annual movement brings together individuals, families, clinicians, researchers, and activists in more than forty countries to spotlight the complex realities of eating disorders and demand systemic change.

In a world where stigma, misunderstanding, and underdiagnosis persist, World Eating Disorders Action DayTM matters more than ever. It’s a reminder that eating disorders are serious mental health conditions, not personal choices, and that recovery is possible with access to support, treatment, and resources.

What Is World Eating Disorders Action DayTM?

World Eating Disorders Action DayTM is a grassroots movement led by a global coalition of organizations and activists who are passionate about changing the narrative around eating disorders. Since its launch in 2016, the day has become a powerful platform for:

• Raising global awareness of eating disorders as public health issues
  
• Advocating for early intervention, accessible treatment, and inclusive care
  
• Amplifying marginalized voices in the eating disorders community
  
• Dispelling myths and stereotypes that prevent people from seeking help
  

With the help of activism such as social media campaigns, webinars, educational events, and advocacy initiatives, WEDAD sparks critical conversations and pushes for real-world impact. It challenges individuals and institutions alike to prioritize eating disorder prevention, treatment, and research year-round, not just on one day.

Why This Day Matters: The Global Impact of Eating Disorders

Did you know that eating disorders impact 28 million Americans and over 70 million people worldwide? These conditions don’t discriminate. They impact people of all genders, races, ages, abilities, body sizes, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Despite their widespread impact, eating disorders remain deeply misunderstood and underfunded. Many people struggling with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, ARFID, and OSFED go undiagnosed due to stigma, lack of education, or limited access to care.

WEDAD draws attention to this global public health crisis and pushes for more research funding, better training for health professionals, and systemic reforms that make evidence-based treatment accessible to all.

This Year’s Theme: Breaking Bias, Supporting Families

Each year, World Eating Disorders Action DayTM adopts a theme that guides its outreach and advocacy. Past themes have included:

• “Equity for Eating Disorders” in 2021, emphasizing the need for culturally competent care
• “Caring for Carers” in 2022, promoting open support and education for loved ones of those struggling with eating disorders
• “Real People. Real Recovery” in 2023, highlighting the power of community support
• “Hope, Recovery, & Science” in 2024, reminding that recovery shouldn’t rely solely on individual willpower, but also on the system of care needed for recovery. 

This year’s theme is “Breaking Bias, Supporting Family.” This theme emphasizes the importance of supporting accurate, evidence-based information regarding eating disorders, as well as highlighting the importance of family support when addressing eating disorders. For those struggling with eating disorders, family of choice and family of origin can play an integral role in recovery, but those loved ones may also need support along the way. The 2025 theme puts family at the center, no matter what family looks like to you. 

Why Language, Inclusion, and Representation Matter

World Eating Disorders Action Day also seeks to challenge harmful narratives. For too long, eating disorders have been portrayed as illnesses that only affect thin, white, young women. In reality, people in larger bodies, BIPOC communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, men, and older adults are often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to bias in clinical settings and societal stereotypes. By uplifting diverse voices and stories, WEDAD works to destigmatize the conversation around eating disorders and include the voices of all who are impacted. 

How to Get Involved in World Eating Disorders Action Day

Whether you’re an individual, a family member, a clinician, a healthcare providers, or an advocate, there are many ways to take action:

• Join the conversation online using the hashtags #WorldEDDay and #ChangeTheSystem.
• Attend a virtual event or webinar hosted by advocacy organizations like the National Alliance for Eating Disorders.
• Share your story on social media to raise awareness and inspire others.
• Write to your elected officials urging them to support mental health and eating disorder treatment legislation.
• Donate to organizations that provide free or low-cost resources and treatment navigation services.

Every post, conversation, and dollar makes a difference in the fight for more inclusive, compassionate, and effective eating disorder care.

The Role of the National Alliance for Eating Disorders

At the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, we are proud to support World Eating Disorders Action Day and its mission. Our organization is dedicated to providing free, accessible resources, including:

• Weekly therapist-led support groups for individuals and loved ones
• Treatment navigation services to help people find care
• National and local advocacy efforts aimed at increasing access to treatment
• Educational programming for schools, clinicians, and communities

On June 2nd and every day, we stand with individuals and families impacted by eating disorders and affirm that no one should have to struggle alone.

Why WEDAD Is More Than a Hashtag

World Eating Disorders Action Day is more than just a moment on the calendar. It’s a global movement for systemic change. It reminds us that while eating disorders are deeply personal, their solutions are profoundly collective. From dismantling stigma to demanding healthcare reform, WEDAD is about creating a world where early intervention is the norm, not the exception, and where everyone has the opportunity to heal.

Seek Help

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of an eating disorder, you are not alone. Diagnosis is the first step to eating disorder recovery, and recovery is always possible. Help is available with the National Alliance for Eating Disorders.