National Eating Disorders Association, National Association for Males with Eating Disorders Merge to Unite Eating Disorders Field
NEW YORK CITY — November 19, 2019 — The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) and the National Association for Males with Eating Disorders (N.A.M.E.D.), two of the nation’s leading eating disorder support organizations, have merged to unify the eating disorders community and improve access to services and support across the entire spectrum of these illnesses. The merged organization will operate under the name NEDA. Claire Mysko will continue in her role as NEDA’s Chief Executive Officer. Andrew Walen, N.A.M.E.D.’s former president, has assumed the role of NEDA’s Senior Advisor on Males with Eating Disorders. Tom Wooldridge, Psy.D, and Stuart Murray, DClinPsych, Ph.D, who served as N.A.M.E.D.’s co-directors, and Tiffany Ashton Brown, Ph.D, N.A.M.E.D.’s former vice president, are joining NEDA’s Scientific Advisory Council.
“At minimum, one out of three individuals who suffer from an eating disorder in their lifetime is male,” Mysko said. “But the percentage may be much higher. Less than one percent of eating disorders research has focused on eating disorders among males. Given NEDA’s and N.A.M.E.D.’s shared goal of advocacy for diverse populations impacted by eating disorders, this is a natural partnership.”
“This merger allows us to better address stigmas that prevent men and male-identifying individuals from discussing issues of body image and seeking eating disorder treatment,” added Walen. “Together we are also better positioned to advocate for adequate funding and support.”
Christopher Clark, M.A. established N.A.M.E.D in 2006 to address the lack of attention, research, support, and prevention directed to boys and men with eating disorders. N.A.M.E.D. has since been at the forefront of conversations around men/male-identifying individuals with eating disorders, playing a vital role in offering information, resources and support to this underrepresented population and their families.
NEDA, the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders, is a support system and resource for the 20 million women and 10 million men who suffer from eating disorders at some point in their life. NEDA is dedicated to raising awareness, building communities of support and recovery, funding research and putting life-saving resources into the hands of those in need.
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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.