Understanding Eating Disorders and Finding Hope for Recovery
Published
Eating disorders (ED) are complex illnesses that an estimated 28.8 million people in the U.S. will develop in their lifetime. EDs are mental and physical conditions that arise through genetic vulnerabilities combined with biological, psychological, and sociological factors that are closely tied to addiction, trauma, obesity, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
National Eating Disorder Awareness (NEDA) defines EDs as biopsychosocial disorders that affect people of all demographics, body shapes and body sizes. Those impacted can look 'healthy' but have an increased risk for serious medical complications. Though genetic predisposition increases the risks of ED development, they are not solely predictive.
The following factors are associated risk factors for the ED development:
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The good news is that full recovery is possible! Making early detection and appropriate intervention essential. Because of this, the theme of this year’s annual Eating Disorder Awareness Week campaign (February 24th - March 2nd) is:
“The Time is Now!”
NEDA emphasizes the urgency of action and sharing knowledge to support research to improve outcomes for people with ED. Through this campaign, NEDA aims to break down stigma and build a foundation of understanding, empathy, and hope.
It's important to know the common warning signs of EDs:
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If you believe you may have an ED and could use some support, be sure to reach out to your therapist and consider seeking treatment at an inpatient or outpatient specialty clinic. See treatment options below.
But did you know that disordered eating exists on a spectrum?
Disordered eating is a non-diagnostic term that describes varied eating behaviors resulting from emotions, beliefs, and attitudes regarding health, food, body weight, body size, and attractiveness. Behaviors that may be disordered include irregular or infrequent meals, excessive snacking, and restrictive dieting.
Here at Bastyr, our masters-level nutrition education focuses on mindful and balanced eating, achieving health at every size, and evidence-based counseling approaches to help clients explore their relationship with food while focusing on goals that align with their nutritional needs.
We can help you with:
- Exploring your relationship to food
- Mind-body awareness
- Understanding hunger and satiety cues
- Recognizing patterned behaviors and associated triggers
- Health at every size: learning about what it means to be healthy based on your nutritional needs
- Understanding how to eat a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet
- Meal planning and recipe options
- Remembering to eat for joy
While Bastyr University Clinic and Bastyr Center for Natural Health are not eating disorder treatment centers, we can help people work on improving their relationship to food. Make an appointment with the nutrition and/or counseling teams if you'd like to talk more about an anti-diet, health at every size, or mindful eating approach.
We look forward to working with you!
Tools for seeking treatment options:
OPAL: Seattle ED Treatment Center
Author Information: Katryna Bell is a master’s student at Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington. She will receive her MS in Nutrition and MA in Counseling and Psychology from Bastyr University in 2026. Katryna worked as an herbalist and chocolate maker before pursuing her passion to become an integrative counselor. Katryna aims to help people achieve health by aligning their choices with their values, strengths, and goals.
