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National Eating Disorder Awareness Week spotlights eating disorders every year during the last week of February. Running from February 23 to March 1, 2026, this vital week raises awareness of available resources and encourages sharing personal stories of recovery. Learn more about prevention, support, and treatment options for all affected.
Want to sponsor National Eating Disorder Awareness Week? Learn how
Expected National Eating Disorder Awareness Week Deals
While National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (NEDAwareness Week) doesn’t typically feature commercial ‘deals’ in the traditional sense, it is a critical time for fundraising and advocacy. Organizations like the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) coordinate campaigns, often partnering with corporate sponsors for donation matching programs or awareness drives. Look for opportunities to contribute to research, support helplines, or participate in walks and virtual events. Brands committed to mental health and body positivity may launch limited-edition merchandise with proceeds benefiting eating disorder organizations, or offer educational content. We will update this page with specific campaigns and calls to action as the week of February 23 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Eating Disorder Awareness Week
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NEDAwarenessWeek. Share infographics, personal stories of recovery, and supportive messages.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #NEDAwarenessWeek. Join real-time discussions, share news, and advocate for policy changes.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NEDAwarenessWeek. Promote community events, share resources, and engage in supportive group discussions.
National Eating Disorder Awareness Week Hero
Dr. Cynthia Bulik
History of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week
Eating disorder have been described as far back as the 12th Century. Before that, during the reign of Caesar, it was typical for wealthy Romans to overindulge in food and drink. After overindulging in expensive meals, they relieved themselves by vomiting to return to the feast and continue their feasting spree. Purging was a practice in ancient times in societies such as ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Arabia, where it was employed to prevent diseases that were believed to be brought on by foods. Women would starve themselves in subsequent centuries, believing that their desire for food was a sin.
First coined “Night Eating Syndrome” in 1959, binge eating disorder — was later clarified — can occur at any hour of the day. It wasn’t until the 1990s that binge eating disorder (B.E.D.) was recognized as a medical condition. When this type of behavior was originally researched in weight reduction communities, it was dubbed ‘emotional overeating,’ ‘compulsive overeating,’ or ‘food addiction.’
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), the United States’ biggest non-profit organization dedicated to those suffering from eating disorders and their families, established National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. For more than 30 years, this annual, week-long event has provided an opportunity for people all over the country to come together in support of those suffering from eating disorders and to set the record straight on common misconceptions about eating disorders.
National Eating Disorder Awareness Week timeline
Romans purge themselves to return to their feasts and continue their feasting spree.
Reports by the English physician Richard Morton of a boy and girl with “nervous consumption” are the first known examples of anorexia nervosa.
Anorexia nervosa is now recognized as a psychiatric condition by the medical community.
Gerald Russell, a British physician, initially characterizes bulimia nervosa as a form of anorexia.
National Eating Disorder Awareness Week FAQs
When is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week?
In 2027, this vital week is observed from Monday, February 22 through Sunday, February 28. It continues its mission to spotlight eating disorders and connect individuals with life-saving resources.
How many people are affected by eating disorders?
Globally, eating disorders impact over 70 million people, making them among the deadliest mental illnesses. Early intervention and increased awareness are crucial for improving outcomes.
How prevalent are eating disorders in the US?
Studies show that only about one-third of individuals with anorexia nervosa, and even fewer with bulimia nervosa, receive treatment. This underscores the urgent need for greater access to care and reduced stigma.
What is the goal of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week?
Beyond raising awareness, the week serves to advocate for policy changes, promote early detection, and encourage open conversations about body image and mental health. It emphasizes that recovery is possible for everyone.
How to Observe National Eating Disorder Awareness Week
Volunteer to operate a helpline
You can volunteer to operate a helpline. People need someone to help them with their struggles, and you can help them by speaking to them honestly and with encouragement. This is very important as some eating disorders may also be associated with suicidal behavior, including self-harm.
Educate yourself
If you want to be an ally, you need to educate yourself about eating disorders: types, habits of people who struggle with them, and so on. Be open-minded and listen to the stories of people who have gone through them. More importantly, be kind and try not to be judgemental as you learn.
Share your experiences
If you have had any experience with eating disorders, you can share so others can learn more. Alternatively, you could invite someone who has had experience with an eating disorder to talk about it.
5 Interesting Facts About Eating Disorders
Mental disorder
Eating disorders are the second leading cause of death from mental illness in the United States, after opioid use disorder.
Types of eating disorders
Eating disorders can be divided into six distinct categories, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.
No distinct look
People with eating disorders don’t always look emaciated — some people look healthy and still struggle with eating.
Don’t blame families
Families are not to blame when a family member develops an eating disorder.
Recovery
It’s very possible to recover from an eating disorder.
Why National Eating Disorder Awareness Week is Important
It raises awareness
The week raises awareness of eating disorders, as well as factors that may be responsible for developing eating disorders. There are so many misconceptions and myths about them, which is why this week is so important.
It allows for open and honest discussions
It can be very hard to overcome an eating disorder so this week, it’s very important to have open and honest discussions with others struggling with eating disorders. If you suffer from one, know that you’re not alone.
It offers support
The week serves as an opportunity to show support for a group of people whose hardships are often invisible. We love being able to openly discuss and offer support.
National Eating Disorder Awareness Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | February 23–March 1 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2027 | February 22–28 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2028 | February 21–27 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2029 | February 19–25 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2030 | February 18–24 | Monday–Sunday |
Social Media Tips for National Eating Disorder Awareness Week
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