At the Alliance, one of our core missions is to provide education on topics surrounding eating disorders (EDs). We find that covering the nuanced issues that affect folks with eating disorders and their loved ones helps our community be more understanding, proactive, and resilient. Eating disorders are mental illnesses with severe physical side effects. Many of these side effects are related to gastrointestinal issues caused by disordered eating habits. One of the common GI issues that coexist with eating disorders is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Here, we go into the connections between the ..read more

Diagnosing an eating disorder comes with an intense, complicated, and often tragic history. (We touch on it a bit in our history of diet culture if you’re curious.) In the last couple of centuries, modern medicine has necessitated a structured approach to medical diagnoses so treatment can have a scientific approach. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) has been the answer to this need. But hasn’t always been the most helpful. However, the most recent edition, the DSM-5, allows for a more inclusive diagnosis of eating disorders compared to previous versions. Here, we ..read more

Eating disorders are common, serious, and treatable health conditions. But why do some people experience eating disorders while others do not? Though there is no definitive answer to this question, many researchers and healthcare professionals believe genetics play a role in the development of an eating disorder. This article will dive deeper into the role genetics play, describe important studies in the field, and explain how this information can help you or a loved one get treatment for an eating disorder.  What Is an Eating Disorder? An eating disorder is defined by the American Psychi ..read more

Eating disorders are serious but treatable conditions that can impact anyone in various ways. Sometimes eating disorders co-occur with other mental health conditions, such as body dysmorphia, which is also known as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). When conditions like this are coupled with the struggles of an eating disorder, it can be challenging to identify the conditions at play and get the help you may need. This article will tell you what you need to know about body dysmorphia and eating disorders and help you get the care you need for recovery.  What Is Body Dysmorphia? Body dysmorph ..read more

Recovery from eating disorders (EDs) requires compassion, understanding, and a comprehensive approach. These mental health conditions can have serious consequences on one’s mental and physical health. As such, effective treatment of EDs delves into the intricate interplay of physical and psychological well-being. Eating disorder therapists are a type of mental health professional who are a part of this recovery team. Here, we take a closer look at this aspect of ED recovery. From the initial focus on behavioral changes and nutritional restoration to the later stages where therapy delves into t ..read more

What is Binge Eating Disorder (BED)? Binge eating disorder (BED) stands out as the most prevalent eating disorder in the United States, surpassing the combined prevalence of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa (NIMH). Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurring episodes of uncontrollable eating, involving the consumption of large quantities of food, typically done rapidly and in secrecy. Unlike other eating disorders, individuals with binge eating disorder do not engage in compensatory behaviors, such as vomiting or excessive exercise, to counteract binge eating episodes. Warning sign ..read more

As the Collaborative of Eating Disorders (CEDO), we are extremely concerned about the lack of consideration for eating disorders in Oprah’s Special: Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution that aired on March 18, 2024. While Oprah’s personal journey and body autonomy is very important, the Special unfortunately perpetuates diet culture and anti-fat bias, which can often fuel the development of disordered eating and eating disorders. We are disappointed that information regarding the use of GLP-1s and eating disorders were not present in the Special. The use of GLP-1s in pursuit of weight l ..read more

The Alliance’s call to action of Not One More is vital to allowing new awareness to emerge and grow. I wonder though that in the first moments of hearing “not one more” it is possible that some of us may experience frustration and fear rising and causing a cloud of fog to emerge that keeps us from believing in the power of the movement and ourselves? Keeping in our mind’s eye, that these intense feelings represent messages from within, this call to action – Not One More… becomes even more important because the past does not have to continue to rule if we have the courage to join the call to ac ..read more

Not One More Day Without Care: A Call to End Weight Bias in Healthcare Seeking medical care should be a straightforward decision, yet the reality for many people is that it is clouded by anxiety and shame in anticipation of fatphobia and weight-related concerns from healthcare providers. Imagine the following scenarios: Having a sore throat, fever, and lightheadedness – symptoms that undoubtedly call for a doctor’s visit It is time for an annual well visit check-up, mammogram, or dental cleaning Needing to go and get routine bloodwork or vaccinations Having a chronic illness that needs consis ..read more

One in seven. One in five. 41.9 million. Males who experience an eating disorder by age 40. Females who experience an eating disorder by age 40. Estimated number of unrepresented global eating disorder cases in 2019. (1, 2) The toll these disorders take on human life is staggering, not just in sheer numbers but in cases that so often impact people before they have the chance to know or see or understand who they are, how much they can grow, and what they have to offer the world. All that potential, that sense of self-worth, gets whittled down instead to a number on the scale. Instead of seeing ..read more