Every year on June 2nd, advocates, clinicians, loved ones, and people in recovery come together to recognize World Eating Disorders Action Day. This day is meant to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions, and remind people that recovery is possible, even in the hardest times.
Sharing Stories and Creating Community
One of the most influential frameworks used to guide the conversation is The Nine Truths About Eating Disorders. The team behind World Eating Disorders Action Day adopted these truths, a set of research-backed statements developed by leading experts in the field. The Nine Truths help challenge common myths about who develops eating disorders, how they develop, and what recovery can look like.
The Truths Behind the Eating Disorder Myths
Many misconceptions still shape how eating disorders are understood. The Nine Truths challenge those assumptions and emphasize several important realities. Here is a sample:
Truth: People with eating disorders may appear “healthy,” yet still be extremely ill. Many individuals struggle silently while appearing outwardly stable in work, relationships, or daily life.
Truth: Families are not to blame. In many cases, family members become some of the strongest allies in a person’s recovery journey.
Truth: Eating disorders are not choices. They are serious illnesses influenced by biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
Truth: Eating disorders affect people of all ages, genders, body sizes, and backgrounds. They do not fit one stereotype.
Truth: Early recognition and access to care can make a life-saving difference.
Some contributors describe the challenge of living with an eating disorder while appearing “functional” to the outside world. Others share how family support helped them take steps toward recovery. Many reflect on the moment they realized recovery was possible after years of believing it was out of reach.
One thing shines through all of these stories – eating disorders are complicated, but recovery is possible.
Take Action
On World Eating Disorders Action Day, and every day, we highlight the voices of people who have lived through eating disorders and share their stories to help others feel less alone.
If you’re ready to get involved or simply curious to see the remaining truths about eating disorders, read all nine truths about eating disorders on the Eating Recovery Center website.
Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center is an international center for eating disorders and mood, anxiety and trauma-related disorders recovery providing comprehensive treatment for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders and PTSD. We offer the full spectrum of treatment services adults, adolescents and children of all genders, including Inpatient, Residential, Partial Hospitalization and Outpatient programs. Utilizing a full continuum of care, we provide expert behavioral health and medical treatment for eating disorders and mood, anxiety and trauma-related disorders in an environment of compassion, collaboration, integrity, inclusivity, accountability and flexibility.