National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2026: Every BODY Belongs
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAW) 2026 takes place February 23 – March 1, 2026. This annual campaign raises awareness about eating disorders, challenges harmful myths, and increases access to education, support, and treatment.
This year’s theme —
Fighting for Change, Committed to Change: Every BODY Belongs —
is more than a slogan. It’s a call to action.
As an eating disorder therapist specializing in pregnancy and postpartum, I see firsthand how urgently this message is needed.
What Is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week?
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) established National Eating Disorders Awareness Week to educate the public about the realities of eating disorders and to provide hope and visibility to individuals and families impacted by them.
The goal is simple but powerful:
Increase awareness about eating disorder symptoms and risk factors
Dispel myths about who “looks” like they have an eating disorder
Encourage early intervention and access to care
Promote culturally responsive, inclusive treatment
How Many People Are Affected by Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders affect 30 million Americans at some point in their lifetime.
They impact people across:
Race and ethnicity
Gender identities
Body sizes
Socioeconomic backgrounds
Life stages — including pregnancy and postpartum
Yet despite how common they are, eating disorders are often overlooked, misdiagnosed, or minimized.
Why?
Because of persistent myths.
Common Myths About Eating Disorders
One of the biggest barriers to treatment is misinformation. Many people delay seeking help for years because they believe:
“You have to be underweight to have an eating disorder.”
“Pregnancy fixes body image issues.”
“If I’m functioning, it’s not serious.”
“It’s just dieting — not a mental health condition.”
None of these are true.
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions with significant emotional and physical consequences. They are not phases, vanity, or a lack of willpower.
And they do not have a single “look.”
Why “Every BODY Belongs” Matters
This year’s theme emphasizes inclusivity in both awareness and treatment.
Every BODY Matters.
Not just those who fit stereotypes.
Every BODY’s Voice Matters.
Including people in larger bodies.
Including men.
Including people of color.
Including pregnant and postpartum mothers.
Every BODY Deserves Compassion.
Shame does not heal eating disorders. Compassion does.
Every BODY Deserves Treatment.
Access to high-quality, culturally responsive, weight-inclusive care is essential.
Every BODY Deserves Support and Hope.
Recovery is possible — at any stage.
Every BODY Deserves Change.
That includes changes in how clinicians screen, how families talk about food and bodies, and how our culture perpetuates harmful narratives.
Eating Disorders During Pregnancy and Postpartum
One of the most overlooked populations affected by eating disorders is pregnant and postpartum women.
Pregnancy and postpartum can intensify:
Body image distress
Food rigidity
Fear of weight gain
Loss of control
Comparison and “bounce-back” pressure
Because these struggles are often normalized or minimized during motherhood, many women suffer in silence.
If you are pregnant or postpartum and experiencing obsessive thoughts about food, weight, or control — you are not alone. And you are not failing.
You deserve support.
Fighting for Change Starts With Awareness
Real change happens when we:
Talk openly about eating disorders
Challenge stereotypes
Screen earlier and more thoroughly
Expand access to specialized care
Normalize seeking help
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2026 is an opportunity to start that conversation — in homes, therapy offices, schools, and medical settings.
How to Participate in Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2026
You can support this movement by:
Sharing educational resources
Having honest conversations about food and body image
Challenging harmful comments or diet culture narratives
Seeking professional support if you’re struggling
Encouraging someone you love to reach out
Awareness reduces shame.
Early intervention improves outcomes.
Compassion saves lives.
You Deserve Support
If this week resonates with you — especially if you are navigating pregnancy or postpartum while struggling with food or body image — know this:
You do not have to hit rock bottom to deserve help.
You do not have to “look sick.”
You do not have to wait until it gets worse.
Every BODY belongs.
Including yours.
If you’re ready to explore support, you can schedule a consultation to learn more about eating disorder therapy during the perinatal period.
Healing is possible.
Change is possible.
And you deserve it.
