Eating Disorder Awareness
- xholcomb
- Jul 21
- 1 min read
Did you know that eating disorders affect an estimated 8 – 17% of post-secondary students. Eating disorders can affect anyone, at any time, and you cannot tell whether someone has an eating disorder by looking at them. Students in post-secondary environments are often faced with new challenges such as being away from home for the first time, having higher levels of stress and anxiety due to course work, higher frequency of substance use, as well as changes in income which can all lead to shifts in eating patterns, appetite changes, or the frequency of meals. These factors may lead to the development of disordered eating behaviors which can develop into an eating disorder in the future.
The first week of February marks Eating Disorders Awareness Week. The theme for 2026 is “Health doesn’t have a look”. This message is rooted in the harmful belief that healthy = thin. Messages like this, often rooted in diet culture, weight stigma, and healthism can cause negative impacts with how people view their bodies and their relationship with food. The National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC) invites everyone to work together to promote body respect, inclusion, and a more compassionate understanding of health.
To learn more about eating disorders, how to support someone with an eating disorder, or where to go if you are struggling with an eating disorder, visit the following webpages and toolkits:
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