Most eating disorder sufferers would agree that even once recovery begins, the act of being around food can still be especially distressing. The treatment and recovery process becomes even more difficult when others assume that because you’re eating and cooking now, then everything is okay. The truth is that recovery is a lifelong journey, and circumstances will change periodically.

New research published today in the International Journal of Eating Disorders confirms what we’ve all known for years – models are being pressured to lose weight or change their body shape/size, and as a result, disordered eating and full-blown eating disorders are rife in the industry. 

If you are looking to be a part of something special in 2017, then join us for a NEDA Walk near you. NEDA Walks are coming to over 40 cities this spring and we can’t wait to meet you there. This year, we’re walking to inspire others. We’re walking away from stigma to send the message that eating disorders are dangerous illnesses, not lifestyle choices. Eating disorders are the deadliest of all mental illnesses, but we’re in this fight together and we’re walking to win!

When my daughter became sick with a serious eating disorder eight years ago, I found few local resources and limited treatment options. Insurance denied my daughter treatment randomly and often. When we were denied coverage for treatment, I became outraged and she became sicker. I remember thinking, “Is this legal?” Sadly, I learned that while not exactly legal, enough loopholes existed in the system to make denial of treatment possible. Here we were dealing with the most serious, complex, and fatal of all mental illnesses, yet we were unable to get our daughter care.

‘Tis the season to purchase awesome gifts for your loved ones! NEDA would like to thank our wonderful partners this holiday season for all that they do to support our vision of a world without eating disorders. Want to do your holiday shopping while helping NEDA and the companies we’ve partnered with? Check out these stellar gift ideas below!

You’re waiting in line at the supermarket check-out when you’re greeted by the glossy, airbrushed, Photoshopped likeness of your favorite celebrity. Those tanned, lean legs and those sculpted cheekbones staring back at you seem to burrow into your soul. You begin to second-guess the items in your shopping basket as thoughts of food and body image trample through your headspace.

It has been a historic year for eating disorders advocacy at the federal level. When the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act (H.R. 2646) passed the House in July, it was a monumental stride for those struggling with eating disorders, their loved ones and the health professionals working to help them recover, as it was the first time a bill of its kind had passed at the federal level. However, we are not done yet! The bill’s counterpart in the Senate, The Mental Health Reform Act (S.2680) still needs to pass this year, and we need your voices to help bring it to the finish line!

It's probably no surprise that major magazines talk about the body and appearance very often. Fashion and beauty definitely have their place as art forms and means of self-expression, so in no way do I think our freedom to explore different styles should be taken away. 

Sometimes, doing my makeup in the morning is the only thing that calms me down on stressful days. Experimenting with my fashion choices has opened up a whole new realm of body positivity and personal style for me as well. 

Bailey Webber is a student journalist who takes a stand against bullying and body shaming brought on by the government in her documentary, The Student Body. The film showcases real stories of children of all ages whose bodies fall out of the range of what’s deemed “acceptable” by the government, an issue that is occurring in several states across the nation. Webber takes a stand, showing lawmakers there is no such thing as a “right” or “wrong” body.

At the National Eating Disorders Association, we believe that self-love is the key to a happy, healthy life and we work every day to make sure that everyone has the tools and support they need to have the healthiest possible relationship with themselves and their bodies. 

In order to support and expand our lifesaving services, we’ve joined Revlon’s LOVE IS ON 2016 Million Dollar Challenge. The competition starts today, September 14th, at 12pm ET.