National Eating Disorder Awareness Week starts on the last Monday this month, February 22. This week is about acceptance of one’s body.

Generally an eating disorder is a mental disorder where one struggles to maintain a “healthy” relationship with food. There are six different types of eating disorders (Types of eating disorders):

1. Anorexia Nervosa
2. Bulimia Nervosa
3. Binge Eating
4. Pica
5. Rumination Disorder
6. Avoidant/Restrictive food intake disorder

The Mayo Clinic explains that a common theme with eating disorders is that they generally develop in adolescence or young adulthood. They are recognized with young girls, but it’s not uncommon for young boys to develop them, as well. (Types of eating disorders pt.2)

The cause of an eating disorder is unknown. The two main theories to why a person develops an eating disorder have to do with genetics and psychological or emotional health. Some people have genes that increase the risk of developing troubles with food and biological factors that contribute are chemical imbalances, or changes in the brain.

The psychological and emotional aspect to developing an eating disorder may be caused by a sense of low self-esteem, perfectionism, or impulsive behavior.

As with all addictions, there are options of recovery. For eating disorders that restrict caloric intake, such as anorexia and bulimia, recovery would require eating intuitively, meaning retraining the brain to listen to hunger cues

Monte Nido explains that, for binge eating, going to therapy to understand how to eat “normally” but not to the point of discomfort is the traditional method of addressing the recovery. (Understanding binge eating)

Whether you are a victim or a friend of a person suffering from an eating disorder, National Eating Disorder Awareness Week give you a chance to learn and discuss steps toward recovery, challenges, and goals.