This Monday marked the start of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, which aims to prevent eating disorders and body image issues, reduce the social stigma of having an eating disorder and improve access to treatment. The theme of this year’s awareness week is “Everybody Knows Somebody,” and this week will be marked at the University of Idaho by several health related events.
The importance of raising awareness of eating disorders is found in the high numbers of people suffering from eating disorders. According to the NEDA, in the U.S., 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in their life. Sharon Fritz, licensed psychologist at the UI Counseling and Testing Center, said 30 percent of college students will develop an eating disorder.
The statistics support the theme of “Everybody Knows Somebody,” and more likely than not, those statistics include UI students.
This week is important because it allows the UI community to reach out to those suffering and remind them that they are not alone.
If you think someone close to you may be struggling with an eating disorder, reach out to the UI Counseling and Testing Center for resources on how to help. Everyone should take advantage of this week’s educational opportunities on eating disorders. UI students and faculty can learn more about eating disorders and how to create an environment that encourages people to seek help.
Students that have an eating disorder should take advantage of the free resources available on campus. This Thursday, free eating disorder screenings will be administered by the Counseling and Testing Center on the third floor of the Idaho Commons from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Year-round, students have access to free nutrition counseling from UI Campus Dietitian Marissa Rudley, and free counseling from the Counseling and Testing Center. These on-campus resources are critical to students, since insurance companies often deny treatment for eating disorders.
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week shines light on a problem that is often overlooked, and the Moscow community needs to come together to recognize and support those with eating disorders — this week and throughout the year.
— AE