Eating Disorder Resources
In the United States, 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in their life, including Anorexia Nervosa (AN), Bulimia Nervosa (BN), Binge Eating Disorder (BED), or an Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED).
The scope and severity of eating disorders are often misunderstood. Eating disorders are serious illnesses, not lifestyle choices. In fact, anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. In a national survey, four out of ten people reported that they either suffered or have known someone who has suffered from an eating disorder. There is a significant lack of funding to combat eating disorders and their devastating consequences. As a result, too many individuals and families are left feeling helpless, hopeless and frightened.
OUR MISSION
NEDA supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders, and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care.
OUR VISION
NEDA envisions a world without eating disorders.
HOPE FOR RECOVERY
We can confront these serious illnesses with increased awareness, early intervention and improved access to treatment. NEDA provides programs and services to give families the support they need to find answers for these life-threatening illnesses.
Call the helpline now
Call our toll-free, confidential helpline,
Monday - Thursday from 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
and Friday from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (EST): Holiday Closures
1-800-931-2237
As the largest information clearing house about eating disorders and related issues, the National Eating Disorders Association recognizes that the media is one of our most important allies in the effort to raise awareness about the dangers of eating disorders. For this reason, we strive to work with the media to produce accurate, insightful and informative pieces that will resonate with the public.
One challenge of explaining the causes and effects of eating disorders is the complex interplay of biological, psychological and social forces that combine to ignite the onset of an eating disorder. Eating disorders, like suicide or terrorism, are issues that must be covered in a careful and responsible way in order to avoid inadvertently glamorizing or promoting copycats to experiment with these life-threatening behaviors.