If you or someone you know has an eating disorder and is in need of help, contact the National Alliance for Eating Disorders’ helpline Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET at 866-662-1235 or the ANAD helpline Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, at 888-375-7767.
Background
Eating disorders are complex, life-threatening conditions that touch millions of lives in the United States—affecting women and girls at every age and stage of life. An estimated 30 million people in the United States will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime, with women twice as likely to be affected. Eating disorders can lead to serious medical conditions, from cardiovascular disease and bone density to increased mortality. The cost is staggering, with eating disorders estimated to cost nearly $65 billion each year in healthcare.
Eating disorders affect women across the lifespan as they face unique, often overlooked vulnerabilities:
- Adolescent girls (an estimated 4 in 10) experience body dissatisfaction and pressures often intensified by social media and other social environments.
- Women in midlife encounter hormonal transitions, changing metabolism and other demands that can impact disordered eating.
- Older women are often undiagnosed, with higher rates of hospitalization and heightened risk of osteoporosis, muscle loss (sarcopenia), heart complications, and mental health challenges
The risks can be even greater due to compounding factors like chronic health conditions, social isolation, and the physical effects of aging.
More than 70% of individuals with eating disorders experience comorbid mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Mortality risk is three times higher in people with eating disorders, and the risk of suicide is alarmingly high.
Eating disorders are treatable and prevention, early identification, and compassionate care save lives. Promoting a healthy relationship with food and body, across all stages of life, reduces chronic disease risk and strengthens lifelong well-being.
Theme
This year’s theme, “Health at Every Age: Eating Disorder Awareness, Prevention, and Recovery,” aligns with federal priorities, including the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Strategy and the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, by promoting evidence-based nutrition education; and emphasizing prevention, early identification, and recovery in ways that supports mental and lifelong health. The theme highlights the importance of addressing eating disorders at every stage of life, particularly in relation to women’s health, aging, and hormonal transitions, while promoting whole-person wellness.
By recognizing the connections between eating disorders and chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis, this observance supports integrated approaches to prevention and long-term health, empowering women and girls to achieve optimal well-being for themselves, their families, and their communities.