National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is Feb. 22-28.

“The goal of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is to shine the spotlight on eating disorders by educating the public, spreading a message of hope and putting lifesaving resources into the hands of those in need,” according to the National Eating Disorders Association website.

The National Institute of Mental Health reports eating disorders are associated with “severe disturbances in people’s eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions.”

It is noted preoccupation with food, body weight and shape may also signal a disorder, which can be fatal if left untreated.

NIMH includes anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder among the common eating disorders.

“People with anorexia nervosa may see themselves as overweight, even when they are dangerously underweight,” according to the NIMH website.

Common behaviors include limiting food intake, excessive exercising, forcing vomit and using laxatives. It reportedly has the highest mortality rate among mental disorders.

People with bulimia nervosa often utilize the binge and purge method of eating unusually large amounts of food followed by the need to purge by forced vomiting, excessive use of laxatives or diuretics or fasting and excessive exercise.

Binge-eating disorder is reportedly the most common eating disorder. People with this disorder are often overweight or obese.

People of all ages, ethnicities and genders experience eating disorders.

“Researchers are finding that eating disorders are caused by a complex interaction of genetic, biological, behavioral, psychological and social factors,” according to the NIMH website.

The theme for this year’s 34th annual Eating Disorders Awareness Week is “Everybody has a seat at the table.” The goal is to cultivate conversations on raising awareness, challenging systemic biases and sharing experiences from different backgrounds and marginalized communities.

“NEDA is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders,” the website says. “NEDA serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care.”

The NEDA website, nationaleatingdisorders.org, contains a number of resources and frequently asked questions to assist anyone who may be struggling or family members of those who are struggling, including identifying warning signs and how to find treatment.

There is no real cause for eating disorders. Some people think a need for control can be a contributing factor. A lot of people suffering from eating disorders seek to gain control over one part of their life, so they focus on food and their food intake. This can snowball and lead to an eating disorder.

The Center for Integrated Behavioral Health in Bethlehem offers “cutting-edge treatment” for eating disorders in the Lehigh Valley. Each treatment plan is geared toward the individual’s unique situation. They also offer family-based therapy and cognitive and dialectical behavior therapies.

Thriveworks Allentown reportedly provides professional, individualized, holistic therapeutic care for anyone struggling with eating disorders.

Additionally, Lehigh Valley Health Network, specifically the Reilly Children’s Hospital, notes eating disorders can lead to serious health problems for children and teens.

“As the only hospital in the region providing care for eating disorders, we strive to help children develop a healthy relationship with food, emphasizing quality nutrition,” the hospital’s website states.

Across the country, buildings will be lighting up blue and green Feb. 22-28 in honor of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. More than 100 buildings are expected to participate coast to coast.

Taking part in the effort will be the Bethlehem Steel blast furnaces on South Side Bethlehem. Make sure you look for the blue and green lights this week.

In today’s confusing and topsy-turvy COVID-19 world, a lot of control has been taken out of our hands and out of the hands of our youth. The mental health of our children has been a big topic of conversation lately. Keep an eye on the youths in your life and pay attention in case they need your help.

Samantha Anderson

editorial assistant

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press

Catasauqua Press