The National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, which is organized by National Eating Disorder Association, began on Sunday, Feb. 21.
The week seeks to bring out the awareness of the dangers of eating disorders and to challenge the public way of thinking about these illnesses.
"The goal of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is to put the spotlight on the seriousness of eating disorders and to improve public understanding of their causes, triggers and treatments," the NEDA website reads, listing off the goals of the week. "By increasing awareness and access to resources, we can encourage early detection and intervention."
Within the United States alone, some 30 million people will be impacted by an eating disorder during their lifetime, according to the NEDA.
"It is important to remember that society and culture contribute to the risk of developing eating disorders, " Claire Mysko, CEO of the NEDA, told U.S. News & World Report. "For example, the pressure to look and live a certain way, especially in an increasingly mediated world where social media invites comparing and despairing." National Eating Disorders Awareness Week seeks to dispel the myths surrounding eating disorders.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the eating disorders arise due to lifestyle choices, and can be controlled with proper food intake. However, eating disorders can be caused by "a complex interaction of genetic, biological, behavioral, psychological, and social factors" according to NIMH.
Aerie, an American Eagle lingerie brand, announced last Thursday that the underwear brand will be supporting National Eating Disorder Week.
Iskra Lawrence, an ambassador for the NEDA who teaches the courses on eating disorders, will be heading the campaign, according to Yahoo News.
Aerie will donate all of its sales of a newly designed T-shirt that reads "Strong. Beautiful. You!" to the NEDA.
