Eating Disorders Awareness Week

February 24th - March 2nd

Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a time to focus on educating the public about eating disorders – to provide information, support, visibility, and hope to everyone affected by eating disorders. This year, EDAW runs from Feb. 24th through Mar. 2nd with a theme of unifying through community and connection. A theme that is near and dear to all of us at ANAD who remain committed to building an inclusive, welcoming community for all to heal! 

Thursday, February 27th, 2025 / Starting at 9am ET

ANAD Day of Conversation

Uniting through connection and community, ANAD is teaming with other mental health nonprofits and organizations to expand the scope of eating disorder awareness this February. We will stream via Zoom, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for 12 hours of non-stop conversations dedicated to breaking the stigma, stereotypes, and silence of eating disorders.

Learn About Eating Disorders

Explore the statistics surrounding eating disorders.
View Statistics

Learn more about warning signs of eating disorders and how to hold the initial conversations.
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In addition to our weekly support groups, our helpline volunteers are available Monday-Friday from 9a-9p CT at 1-888-375-7767.
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We’re always looking for volunteers! Visit our Get Involved page to learn more or to complete an interest form.
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ANAD Day of Conversation

History of Eating Disorders Awareness Week

Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) was established to bring attention to the prevalence of eating disorders, reduce stigma, and provide education on prevention and treatment. Its origins trace back to the 1980s, when mental health advocates began organizing events to shed light on eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. Over time, these efforts grew into a coordinated annual campaign observed in many countries. The week encourages dialogue, empowers individuals struggling with these conditions, and highlights the importance of early intervention and proper care.

Formation of the National Association of ANAD
ANAD became one of the first organizations in the United States dedicated to addressing eating disorders. Its advocacy efforts laid the groundwork for public campaigns like Eating Disorder Awareness Week.
First National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
1987 marked the first Eating Disorders Awareness week, the first coordinated effort to promote awareness of eating disorders on a national scale. Events included educational workshops and media campaigns.
Expansion to International Eating Disorder Awareness Efforts
By February 2000, Eating Disorders Awareness Week had expanded internationally. Countries like Canada and the UK began organizing similar campaigns in the same month, uniting global efforts to combat stigma and promote treatment access.
Social Media Integration
In February 2012, campaigns began leveraging social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to amplify the reach of Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Hashtags such as #EDAW and #EatingDisorderAwareness allowed for wider participation and sharing of resources.
Focus on Diversity and Inclusion
The campaign in February 2021 emphasized the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, aiming to address the stigma and barriers to treatment among BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other underrepresented groups.
September 1982
February 1987
February 2000
February 2012
February 2021

Student Awareness for Eating Disorders Awareness Week

Students, want to help raise awareness at your school this year? Check out these fun ideas for theme days or visit our Student Ambassador Page for other ways to get involved!

Help us build a bigger community!

We believe that people heal better when they know they’re not alone. This belief in community is central to our core values, our programs, and embedded in everything we do. With your support, we can continue to expand our community so that nobody ever has to recover alone again!