Come As You Are this National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is Feb. 25 – March 3
New York, NY February 20, 2019 –– The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders, will celebrate National Eating Disorders Awareness Week February 25 – March 3. This year’s theme, Come As You Are, highlights NEDA’s movement towards inclusivity in the greater eating disorder community. Come As You Are sends a message to individuals at all stages of body acceptance and eating disorders recovery that their stories are valid and invites those whose stories have not been widely recognized to speak out, share their experiences and connect with others.
“Eating disorders can impact anyone, no matter their size, race, gender, sexual orientation, age, social economic status or ethnicity,” said Claire Mysko, CEO of NEDA. “With Come As You Are, we are sending a clear message that everyone deserves body acceptance and are welcome in the NEDA community.”
With over 30 million Americans struggling with an eating disorder at some point in their lives, NEDA aims to reject the stereotype that eating disorders only affect thin, white women and are a lifestyle choice or decision. This theme was chosen to start conversations with a variety of communities, specifically people of color, men, those who identify as LGBTQ+ and individuals in higher weight bodies, all of which are not included in the stereotypical perception of an individual with an eating disorder. This NEDAwareness Week, come as you are, not as you think you should be.
CALLS TO ACTION: What you can do this NEDAwareness Week
1. Take the Body Acceptance Challenge and pledge to reject diet culture
2. Come As You Are on Instagram
- Write a few things you like about yourself on a t-shirt, piece of paper or your body
- Take a photo wearing the t-shirt, holding the piece of paper or showing off your body art
- Share your picture on Instagram with a caption explaining why you chose the words you did and what this year’s #ComeAsYouAre theme means to you. Remember to include the official campaign hashtags: #NEDAwareness and #ComeAsYouAre
- Tag @NEDA and three people who inspire you to “come as you are” and challenge them to join you in the movement
EVENTS: Special events that are happening this NEDAwareness Week
1. Body Confidence Initiative at Mall of America
- NEDA is partnering with Mall of America to administer NEDA’s acclaimed Body Project trainings to create a body inclusive environment for all Mall of America guests, tenants and 1,200 employees.
2. Body Confidence Panel
- Influencers Sarah Edwards, Nicolette Mason and Gabi Gregg; CEO of NEDA Claire Mysko; and NEDA Ambassadors Ryan Sheldon and Gina Susanna will discuss body confidence at Mall of America on Sunday, Feb. 24th from 2:30-4:30 p.m.
3. Eating Disorder Awareness Walks
- Twin Cities, Minnesota (Sunday, February 24th)
- Flagstaff, Arizona (Saturday, March 2nd)
- Tallahassee, Florida (Saturday, March 2nd)
- Treasure Coast, Florida (Saturday, March 2nd)
- Tuscaloosa, Alabama (Sunday, March 3rd)
4. Landmarks Light Up Green and Blue
- Over 100 landmarks in nearly every state will light up blue and green in honor of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
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About the National Eating Disorders Association
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDA supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders, and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care. Through our programs and services, NEDA raises awareness, builds communities of support and recovery, funds research and puts life-saving resources into the hands of those in need. For more information, visit www.www.nationaleatingdisorders.org.
Contact
Kylee Tsuru
National Eating Disorders Association
281.881.0721
NEDA is grateful for Veritas Collaborative for their support as a sponsor of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.