National Eating Disorders Screening Day
National Eating Disorders Screening Day is a time to raise awareness, encourage early detection, and connect people to support. Learn more, take NEDA’s free screening, and share resources with someone who may need them.
National Eating Disorders Screening Day
National Eating Disorders Screening Day is a time to raise awareness, encourage early detection, and connect people to support. Learn more, take NEDA’s free screening, and share resources with someone who may need them.
What is National Eating Disorders Screening Day?
National Eating Disorders Screening Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about eating disorders, the importance of early detection, and help people find support sooner.
This October 14, 2026, NEDA encourages people to learn about eating disorders, take the free and confidential screening, and share it with others. You can help by sharing NEDA’s social graphics and flyers, starting conversations, or encouraging someone you care about to take the screening.
Why does early detection matter?
Eating disorders can affect a person’s mental, social, and physical health. They are the second deadliest mental health condition.[1] Yet many people go years without getting the support they need.[1,2]
Recognizing signs early can help someone get support before an eating disorder becomes more serious or life-threatening. Early support can make a difference and may change the course of an eating disorder.[2,3]
You can help. Sharing information, starting a conversation, or encouraging someone to get screened can help them recognize a concern and find resources when they need them.
Hear Why Early Intervention Matters
Watch Janet McCready, NEDA Gala honoree, explain why early intervention matters and how NEDA’s screening tool can help you take the next step.
Help Spread the Word
Share National Eating Disorders Screening Day with your community.
Download the graphic or copy the caption to customize your post.
This National Eating Disorders Screening Day, I’m sharing this important resource. NEDA’s free, confidential screening can help you understand your risk for an eating disorder and find information about next steps. You’re not alone. Take the first step today: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/screening-tool/ or the link in NEDA’s bio. #NEDA #NEDASD
Resources
Download and share NEDA’s flyers to help more people learn about eating disorder screening.
You can share them at schools, workplaces, colleges, counseling centers, community spaces, or online. Every resource you share can help someone find information and support.
Featured Blog
Read Why Getting Screened Matters
Ellen Fitzsimmons-Craft, one of the researchers behind NEDA’s screening tool, explores the connection between anxiety and eating disorders. Learn about the warning signs and the importance of screening in her blog, created in collaboration with the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA).
Could Anxiety Be Hiding an Eating Disorder? Why Screening Matters
By Ellen Fitzsimmons-Craft, PhD
Read More →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Eating Disorders Screening Day?
National Eating Disorders Screening Day is a campaign held on October 14, 2026 to raise awareness about eating disorders and encourages people to get screened early.
Who can take NEDA's screening?
Anyone age 13 or older who is concerned about their own relationship with food, eating, exercise, or their body, or who simply wants to check in on their risk for an eating disorder, can take the screening. You don’t need to have a diagnosis or be certain that something is wrong to take the screening.
Is the screening confidential?
Yes. The screening is confidential. By taking the screening, users agree that their data may be shared anonymously with NEDA’s partners for eating disorder research.
Does the screening tell someone if they have an eating disorder?
No. A screening is not a diagnosis. It can help someone understand their risk and learn about possible next steps.
Only a licensed medical professional can provide an evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations. To find eating disorder treatment, visit our directory.
What happens after I take the screening?
After you complete the screening, you’ll receive information based on your results and be connected to next-step resources, including treatment options and free or low-cost support.
What are common signs of an eating disorder?
Some common warning signs of an eating disorder are:
- Changes in eating or exercise
- Skipping meals or social events
- Only eating certain textures of food
- Fear of choking or vomiting
- Body or food preoccupation
- Shame or loss of control around eating
- Feeling weak or cold
- Gastrointestinal issues
You can find a more comprehensive list of warning signs here. If you experience any of these, we encourage you to take our eating disorders test to see if you’re at risk for an eating disorder.
How can I help spread the word?
You can share NEDA’s screening tool and campaign graphics with your friends, family, school, workplace, or community.
On October 14, 2026, share the campaign graphic and link to the screening tool. Use #NEDA and #NEDASD when you post.
Real Experiences
“I took the NEDA online screening test and it was the recognition I needed to start doing something about my concerns. It has helped me in unexpected ways and I’m grateful because I’ve started working with a nutritional counselor.”
— NEDA Screening User
“I took NEDA’s online screening test, and that single moment of courage changed my life. With their resources, I found a treatment center and made the commitment to recovery.”
— NEDA Screening User
Think you or someone you care about may have an eating disorder?
Take NEDA’s free and confidential screening test, or share it with someone you’re concerned about. Available in English and Spanish.
Sources
[1] Hart, L. M., Granillo, M. T., Jorm, A. F., & Paxton, S. J. (2011). Unmet need for treatment in the eating disorders: a systematic review of eating disorder specific treatment seeking among community cases. Clinical Psychology Review, 31(5), 727–735. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2011.03.004
[2] Austin, A., Flynn, M., Richards, K., Hodsoll, J., Duarte, T. A., Robinson, P., Kelly, J., & Schmidt, U. (2021). Duration of untreated eating disorder and relationship to outcomes: A systematic review of the literature. European Eating Disorders Review, 29(3), 329–345. https://doi.org/10.1002/erv.2745
[3] Treasure, J., & Russell, G. (2011). The case for early intervention in anorexia nervosa: theoretical exploration of maintaining factors. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 199(1), 5–7. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.110.087585
nationaleatingdisorders.org
