Eating Disorder Awareness Week, taking place 2nd-8th March, is a week organised by the UK’s eating disorder charity, Beat, to raise awareness of eating disorders and the support that they offer to anyone affected.
It is estimated that, in the UK, 1.25 million people suffer from an eating disorder, most of whom develop the disorders when they are between that ages of 15 and 25.
Beat found that, on average, there is a three-and-a-half-year gap between the onset of an eating disorder and the start of treatment due to delays in identification, referral, and waiting times.
A severe eating disorder has an impact on every aspect of a person’s life, including their education or work, and can have a significant impact on the lives of their loved ones.
Jeremy Balfour MSP for Lothian commented on the issue:
“Eating disorders are very real and difficult illnesses that remain prominent in our society, particularly amongst young people. My thoughts go out to those suffering from an eating disorder and the loved ones who support them.
“I cannot praise Beat enough for the work that they do in raising awareness of eating disorders and in providing support for those who need it. I hope that an increase in awareness will lead to quicker access to treatment.
“We all, as individuals, need to take more time to understand eating disorders; to help those that are suffering from them; and to support their families who often feel like they are in a helpless situation.”