Eating Disorders Awareness Week is an annual event aimed at raising awareness and understanding about eating disorders, hence we’re highlighting some important books. This year it is taking place between February 27 and March 5. During this week, organisations, advocates, and individuals around the world come together to promote education, support, and advocacy for those affected by eating disorders.

Trigger Warning: Eating disorders and mental health illness

The main objectives are:

• Raise awareness about the prevalence, signs, and symptoms of eating disorders
• Reduce the stigma and shame associated with eating disorders
• Promote early intervention and treatment for those affected by eating disorders
• Provide support and resources for individuals and families affected by eating disorders
• Advocate for better access to treatment and care for individuals with eating disorders

Throughout the week, organisations and individuals may hold events, share resources, and engage in social media campaigns to raise awareness about eating disorders and promote support and education for those affected.

Eating disorders are devastating mental illnesses that affect 1 in 50 people in the UK. This year UK national eating disorders charity Beat are focusing on launching a new fundraising challenge for this year’s EDAW. Anything goes, as long as you do it Twogether. The main theme this year is looking at how men are affected by eating disorders.

At least 1 in 4 people affected by eating disorders are men. Yet many struggle to ask for help (and are often met with disbelief when they do). The charity want to bust the toxic stereotypes that prevent men from speaking up. So during EDAW ‘23, Beat will shine a light on the different experiences men face — and how we, as a community, can create a safe space for men to turn to for support towards recovery.

This Eating Disorders Awareness Week, Beat has asked people to pair up with a pal and fundraise with someone by your side. For more information visit Beat here or follow the campaign on social media using the hashtag #HelpMenGetHelp.

Here are some books highlighting Eating Disorders Awareness Week

• 📚 “Life Without Ed: How One Woman Declared Independence from Her Eating Disorder and How You Can Too” by Jenni Schaefer
• 📚 “Wasted: A Memoir of Anorexia and Bulimia” by Marya Hornbacher
• 📚 “The Hungry Years: Confessions of a Food Addict” by William Leith
• 📚 “Eating in the Light of the Moon: How Women Can Transform Their Relationship with Food Through Myths, Metaphors, and Storytelling” by Anita Johnston
• 📚 “Elena Vanishing” by Elena and Clare B. Dunkle
• 📚 “Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body” by Roxane Gay
• 📚 “It Was Me All Along: A Memoir” by Andie Mitchell
• 📚 “How To Disappear Completely” by Kelsey Osgood
• 📚 “I’m Glad My Mom Died” by Jennette McCurdy
• 📚 “Good Girls: A Story and Study of Anorexia” by Hadley Freeman
• 📚 “Brave Girl Eating: A Family’s Struggle with Anorexia” by Harriet Brown

It’s important to note that these books contain personal experiences and may not be suitable for everyone. It’s always a good idea to check with a mental health professional before reading material that could be triggering.

Check out Roxane Gay’s Hunger as we talk about our untold stories in episode 51 of the podcast.