Eating disorders kill. Eating disorders are a public health crisis. Considered the deadliest mental illness, an estimated 30 million Americans suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their lives.

Content note: Potentially triggering language and descriptions of eating disordered behaviors

We’re working hard to get more money allocated for eating disorders research, but we need your help.

A letter asking for $10 million in funding is circulating around the House of Representatives right now and we need to get YOUR representative's name on it by the end of the day on Friday, March 31.

Most eating disorder sufferers would agree that even once recovery begins, the act of being around food can still be especially distressing. The treatment and recovery process becomes even more difficult when others assume that because you’re eating and cooking now, then everything is okay. The truth is that recovery is a lifelong journey, and circumstances will change periodically.

You’re waiting in line at the supermarket check-out when you’re greeted by the glossy, airbrushed, Photoshopped likeness of your favorite celebrity. Those tanned, lean legs and those sculpted cheekbones staring back at you seem to burrow into your soul. You begin to second-guess the items in your shopping basket as thoughts of food and body image trample through your headspace.

The study and treatment of eating disorders is woefully lacking, especially for men. The majority of Americans think this is a woman’s disease, but statistics show that 10 million men in the United States will suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in their life. 

June 2nd, 2016 will mark the very first World Eating Disorders Action Day. While different countries and organizations have long had awareness weeks (such as NEDAwareness week and the Canadian Eating Disorders Awareness Week), this is the first time eating disorders are getting global attention. In fact, the whole day has been developed by grassroots advocacy efforts of over 150 organizations in over 40 countries.

As a former model, commercial actress and host, I enjoyed my share of success within the fashion and entertainment industries. I also suffered from binge eating disorder, bulimia and anorexia nervosa for the length of my career—although the behaviors didn’t begin in the industry, they were exacerbated by things I heard, saw and experienced: things like sexual harassment, trauma, bullying, exposure to wild parties, drinking, drugs and the daily pressure to lose weight.

With the national spotlight on eating disorders during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, it’s a great time to educate our elected leaders from across the country about eating disorders, and to ask for their support of important legislation that would have a positive impact on our community. That is why we are dedicating Wednesday, February 24th to a Day of Action, and we invite you to join us!

'Tis the season. It’s hard to escape the holiday season without talk of New Year’s weight loss resolutions, diet plans, tactics to burn off holiday meals and similar content, easily triggering for those with eating disorders. The holidays can be challenging times for those who struggle. Food, families and stress can make festivities less than festive for some. Recovery is often accomplished hour by hour, minute by minute, and freedom might seem miles away.

Many of you have asked - what is a MOM March and how was it born?

The M.O.M. (Mothers & Others) March was founded by Alliance For Eating Disorders Awareness, Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) and Mothers Against Eating Disorders (MAED).  The mission of the M.O.M March is both simple and powerful: