“Are you worried someone you care about may have an eating disorder? You can play an important role in recognizing when someone may be struggling and encourage them to seek help,” the post continues. Many parents and other family members are surprised when they realize a loved one is suffering from an eating disorder. Being educated can help us all recognize possible signs. That’s what this week has been all about — awareness.

Last week, I wrote about eating disorder risk factors, signs and treatment. So, how can we help prevent and spread awareness about eating disorders? One big answer is to be careful with social media. According to information from the American Psychological Association, teens and young adults who reduced social media use by 50% for just a few short weeks experienced significant improvement in how they felt about both their weight and their overall appearance compared with peers who maintained consistent levels of social media use.

Social media can expose users to hundreds or even thousands of images and photos every day, including those of celebrities. But it’s important to realize that those photos — and even photos of our friends and neighbors — are often edited and are not realistic representations. Young teens may not realize this, however.

Even more disturbing than the effects that edited photos and comparison have on people is the fact that there are social media influencers who post tips for getting and hiding eating disorders — another reason that we, as parents, need to be vigilant about talking to our kids about these issues.

There are ways to report posts that promote unhealthy weight loss or other eating disorder behaviors. For example, on Facebook and Instagram, simply tap “Report Post.” Some options will then come up, and one of these is “Eating Disorders.”

Another important fact about eating disorders is that people of any size and shape can have one. According to NEDA, 94% of people with eating disorders live in average or higher-weight bodies, while only 6% are medically underweight.

If you notice signs of a possible eating disorder in a loved one — refusal to eat certain foods, excessive exercise, avoiding situations involving food, eating rituals, dressing in layers or baggy clothing, frequent mirror checks, extreme mood swings, and preoccupation with weight loss, food, calories and dieting — ask how they are doing. Say that you are concerned. Talk to a medical provider who is knowledgeable about eating disorders; not all of them are. Remember that no one chooses an eating disorder. These are serious mental health conditions. Several factors, including genetic, biological, environmental and social, all contribute.

The Utah Women and Leadership Project, in its January 2023 report, identified recommendations for raising awareness and helping to prevent eating disorders. The first one is early intervention efforts, with schools, colleges and universities implementing eating disorder prevention programs. Second, increase the number of medical providers who are trained and knowledgeable about eating disorders. Third, resources must be readily available. Fourth, increased awareness is necessary to shift away from the thin-ideal and weight-focused culture.

If you or someone you know is in need of help or support, call the National Alliance for Eating Disorders helpline at 866-662-1235, text 741-741 or visit allianceforeatingdisorders.com, anad.org or nationaleatingdisorders.org.