Over 30 million people in the united states are currently suffering from an eating disorder according to statistics from the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA). As if that figure was not startling enough, consider that the majority of people that suffer from these potentially deadly disorders do not seek help or treatment, therefore are not considered in this statistic.
Some do not understand that they have an eating disorder, some are to embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help, others do not believe that there are any professionals that are able to help them efficiently. As a sufferer, I did not seek treatment, and in my recovery I understand that if I had done so, and if I had found a professional to help me who understood anorexia, I would probably have recovered mush faster than I was able to do on my own. Living in the USA, I understand that there is the additional consideration of cost for sufferers and their parents as there is no universal system of care in place.
In 2015 the predicted amount that will be allocated for eating disorder research is $31 million, pitiful when you consider that spending on autism is set to be $190 million. Anorexia nervosa is the most deadly of all psychiatric disorders, yet there is only a projected $12 million to be spent on research into it next year.
I am a strong advocate for the following:
- Education for professionals who are in a place to be able to offer treatment for people with eating disorders.
- More funding for research into the biology, genetics, treatment and understanding of eating disorders
- Lobbying to get eating disorder treatment fully covered by insurance so that sufferers can receive help.
At the federal level eating disorders policies should be included into already existing and moving initiatives. The Congressional agenda should also be defined by introducing new bills that attempt to improve the lives people that are suffering from eating disorders. The Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) has used this avenue to work with leaders in both the House and Senate to introduce the first ever comprehensive eating disorders bill in the history of Congress, the Federal Response To Eliminate Eating Disorders Act, the FREED Act and the Truth in Advertising Act of 2014.
There are some wonderful advocacy groups out there for caregivers and parents, but I want to see more survivors and sufferers stand up for eating disorders. The EDC is a wonderful resource and has spent so much time and effort into the writing of documents that are intended to educate congress on eating disorders.
If you are interested in joining in advocating for the correct resources to be given to sufferers of eating disorders you can follow me on twitter @Love_Fat_ and Facebook.
For Mothers and Caregivers
The following resources will help you find your voice in the fight for eating disorder legislation. There are also resources here for your insurance based questions and concerns as may parents in these organizations are very up to date with insurance based information.
EDPS (Eating Disorder Parent Support)
IEDA (International Eating Disorder ACTION)
There is also a very important march planned in September this year.This inaugural M.O.M (Mothers and Others) March will be an historic unification of moms, families, advocates and organizations dedicated to eating disorders and related issues, collaboratively marching together on the Nation’s Capitol. Info here
This website will allow anyone to write letters to the editors in their area quickly.
http://www.congressweb.com/anorexiashouldbecovered/media
Sources:
NIH
The Eating Disorders Coalition
FEAST