Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2020

This pack has been prepared ahead of the debate to be held in Westminster Hall on Thursday 5 March 2020 from 3.00pm on Eating Disorders Awareness Week. The debate will be opened by Sir George Howarth MP.

There will be a debate in Westminster Hall on Thursday 5 March 2020 from 3.00pm on Eating Disorders Awareness Week. The debate will be opened by Sir George Howarth MP.

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can have severe psychological, physical and social consequences. An eating disorder can involve eating too much, or too little, getting rid of food that has been eaten or a combination of these behaviours. Those with eating disorders may have negative perceptions of their body image, such as their weight and shape, and often have other mental health problems occurring alongside the eating disorder, like anxiety or depression.  Eating disorders can affect people of any age and gender, though they most commonly begin during adolescence.

Eating Disorders Awareness Week is an international event for raising awareness and understanding of eating disorders, challenging stereotypes and stigmas. This year it runs from 2 to 8 March 2020. The UK eating disorder charity Beat is focusing on recognising the role of those who care for people with an eating disorder and is encouraging people to sign a new pledge “demanding the very best support and information for carers of someone with an eating disorder”.