By Sarah Therrien, Staff writer
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) organizes and sponsors an 
awareness week every year that takes place during the last week of February for eating disorders. National Eating Disorder Week is put in place to honor the lives of those who suffer, and have died from an eating disorder. Eating disorders are classified as a mental illness in the American Psychiatric Association. The most common types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.
Despite common stereotypes, eating disorders affect people of all ages, genders, and races. Research has proven up to 30 million Americans will struggle with an eating disorder at some point in their life, and although the number of victims is high, many will never seek or get the help they need.
This year Eating Disorder Awareness Week takes place Feb. 26 to March 4. To spread awareness during the week, partners of NEDA have organized different public events in various cities, also many landmarks in different cities are going to be lit up green and blue, the colors of eating disorder awareness.
Another thing that is done to honor Eating Disorder Awareness Week is wear blue or green. If you or someone you know has shown signs of having an eating disorder and/or has started disordered eating or exercise patterns, it is important to know sources and places to reach out get help.
National Eating Disorder Helpline – 1(800)-931-2237
People can take an online screening test provided by NEDA to help determine if you should reach out for professional help at:
nedaawareness.org/screening