Photo by Christina Cernik
For those with eating disorders, disordered eating or body image issues, the holidays and the barrage of post-holiday dieting messages can trigger harmful behaviors and psychological distress.
“Our phones are pretty much ringing off the hook Thanksgiving through February,” says Lisa Murano, Development Manager of the West Palm Beach-based National Alliance for Eating Disorders (“The Alliance”), a nonprofit dedicated to the outreach, education, early intervention, support and advocacy for all eating disorders. The Alliance’s national, interactive database includes treatment options at all levels of care around the country.
“We want people to know that they are not alone. We offer an array of resources and services for individuals and families, including therapist-led support groups,” says Murano.
Eating disorders are psychological conditions that affect one’s relationship with food, the organization’s website explains, and 60 % of contributing factors stem from genetics. Anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and other lesser-known eating disorders impair normal eating behavior and present emotional and physical health consequences.
The stigma surrounding the disease often keeps people from seeking help. While eating disorders affect more women than men — 13 % of women over 50 have symptoms of an eating disorder — only one-third seek treatment. People of color are half as likely to be diagnosed and treated.
Eating disorders affect all echelons of society. The economic costs, ranging from hospitalizations to loss of productivity, are in the billions of dollars.
Approximately 9 % of the population in the United States will have an eating disorder in their lifetime, according to a Harvard School of Public Health-Deloitte report on the Economics Costs of Eating Disorders. In Florida, that translates to 1,874,943 people.
At-risk South Florida residents have the benefit of the Alliance’s outpatient care. Says Murano, “The Alliance’s Psychological Services is the only program of its kind in the nation. We provide low-cost, specialized, outpatient care to South Floridians who are uninsured or underinsured for no more than $25 per session. Since the pandemic began, clients’ ability to pay for services has drastically decreased, and as a result, many do not pay a fee whatsoever.”
The last week of February is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Reinforcing the message that help is available and full recovery is possible, the Alliance will host its “Not One More” weekend, a three-day virtual event Feb. 25-27. The weekend will offer awareness-raising activities, a support group marathon and celebration of life.
CEO Johanna Kandel, who founded the Alliance in 2000 and who herself suffered from an eating disorder, says, “The annual Not One More Weekend is built on the pillars of what we do best: help, support, recovery. This national movement aims to ensure that Not One More life is lost, Not One More child is taken, and Not One More precious moment is destroyed by this insidious disease. Proceeds from the weekend will directly fund our free, weekly, therapist-led support groups.”
It only takes a call to the helpline to begin the journey to recovery. Let not one more day go by without seeking care and support for an eating disorder.
For more information, call 866-662-1235 or visit allianceforeatingdisorders.com.