What is NEDA Week?
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is an important chance to talk openly about an issue that’s often misunderstood. Despite the stereotypes we sometimes see in the media, eating disorders don’t have a specific “look” and can affect anyone. They impact millions of people of all ages, genders, body sizes, and backgrounds. Because of this, they’re often overlooked or misinterpreted, even though they can have serious effects on both mental and physical health. Eating disorders also show up differently from person to person—no one experiences every sign or fits neatly into a single category. Still, there are some common emotional, behavioral, and physical patterns that can help us better understand them.
Common emotional and behavioral signs can include:
Preoccupation with food, calories, dieting, or weight.
Avoiding certain foods or eliminating entire food groups (like carbs or fats).
Strict food rules or rituals (cutting food into tiny pieces, excessive chewing, rigid routines).
Avoiding meals or eating around others; disappearing during or after meals.
Social withdrawal or loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities.
Intense fear of weight gain or distorted body image; frequent “body checking”.
Excessive or compensatory exercise done rigidly despite injury, illness, or exhaustion.
Binge eating or feeling out of control around food.
Purging behaviors such as self‑induced vomiting, or misuse of laxatives/diuretics (these behaviors always indicate serious concern).
While an eating disorder may not display any outward physical signs, common physical signs can include:
Noticeable weight fluctuations (up or down)
Gastrointestinal issues (constipation, reflux, stomach pain)
Frequent dizziness or fainting
Feeling cold all the time; low body temperature
Sleep disturbances
Cuts or calluses on knuckles (from inducing vomiting)
Dental erosion or cavities from purging behaviors
Dry skin, brittle nails, hair loss, or fine body hair (lanugo)
Signs specific to Anorexia Nervosa:
Dramatic weight loss or difficulty maintaining expected weight
Denial of hunger
Obsession with food, nutrients, and body shape
Wearing layers to hide weight loss or stay warm
Signs specific to Bulimia Nervosa:
Recurrent binge episodes followed by purging
Hiding food for secret eating
Swollen cheeks, dental issues, or frequent bathroom trips after meals
Feelings of shame or lack of control around food
Signs specific to Binge Eating Disorder:
Eating large amounts of food quickly
Eating past discomfort
Eating alone due to embarrassment
Feelings of guilt or distress after eating
Signs specific to ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder):
Extreme avoidance of certain textures, smells, colors
Inadequate intake without weight or body image concerns
Healing is Possible
If you or someone you know might be struggling with signs of an eating disorder, know that healing is absolutely possible. Reaching out for help sooner can make a big difference and open the door to a healthier, more fulfilling life. Millions of people face eating disorder challenges every year, so truly, you are not alone.
Reaching out for help—especially the very first time—can feel really scary, and that’s completely understandable. Sometimes that fear can make it easy to hope things will get better on their own. But eating disorders are tough, and don’t go away over time without support. Freedom is absolutely possible.
Why Choose Harvest Counseling & Wellness
At Harvest Counseling & Wellness, we understand that eating disorders are never just about food—they’re about pain, identity, control, and the deep desire to feel at peace in your body and mind. Our multidisciplinary team—including therapists, dietitians, and psychiatric clinicians—works together to support the whole person, not just the symptoms.
We offer specialized eating disorder support grounded in compassion, evidence-based care, and faith-informed values for those who desire it. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or someone you love, you’ll find a safe and welcoming space here. Our team is committed to walking with you through every step of recovery—with grace, warmth, and the understanding that healing looks different for everyone.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Let Harvest Counseling & Wellness be a place where hope and healing can take root.
