Eating disorders: do you know the facts?

The first week of February is devoted to raising awareness of eating disorders, mental health problems for which many taboos still exist.

According to the National Eating Disorder Information Center (NEDIC), a Canadian non-profit organization, nine facts characterize eating disorders:

1. You can’t tell by looking at someone whether they have an eating disorder
2. Families are not to blame.
3. Families can be the patient’s best allies in treatment
4. Eating disorders are not choices, but serious biologically-influenced mental illnesses
5. Eating disorders affect people of all genders, ages, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic statuses.
6. Eating disorders carry an increased risk for both suicide and physical/medical complications
7. Genes play a role in eating disorders, but environment also influences their development.
8. Genes are not destiny when it comes to eating disorders.
9. Full recovery from an eating disorder is possible.

If you suspect that someone around you has an eating disorder, it is important to offer him / her prompt support. Do not hesitate to consult your pharmacist. In addition to answering your questions about possible treatments, he or she will be able to refer you to appropriate resources.

http://nedic.ca/