National Eating Disorders Awareness Week: Eating Disorders Aren’t Gendered: Why Awareness Matters

Every year, National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (February 23–28) shines a light on illnesses that are often misunderstood, overlooked, or hidden behind stereotypes. One of the most damaging myths is that eating disorders only affect one gender.

They don’t.

Eating disorders affect students of all genders, backgrounds, and body types and adolescence is one of the most vulnerable periods for onset.

A Growing Crisis Among Teens

Eating disorders commonly emerge during adolescence and young adulthood, and recent data shows a sharp rise in cases among children and teens especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key facts underscore the seriousness of the issue:

• 2.7% of U.S. adolescents ages 13–18 will experience a diagnosable eating disorder in their lifetime
• One study found 13% of adolescents develop an eating disorder by age 20
• 22% of children and teens worldwide exhibit disordered eating behaviors that may not yet meet diagnostic criteria but significantly increase future risk
• The average age of onset for anorexia and bulimia is around 14 years old
• Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness, with up to 20% mortality in chronic untreated cases
• Most teens with eating disorders also experience co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or depression

These are not rare conditions. They are urgent, life-impacting illnesses affecting students in our classrooms every day.

Why “Not Just One Gender” Matters

While eating disorders are diagnosed more frequently in girls (3.8%) than boys (1.5%), that gap hides a troubling reality: boys and young men are being underdiagnosed, undertreated, and underrepresented in awareness efforts.

In fact:

• Hospitalization rates in the US for young men with eating disorders increased by a dramatic 413% in the last twenty years.

Social stigma often prevents boys from seeking help, while symptoms may look different or go unnoticed. When awareness campaigns only reflect one gender, many students fail to recognize their own struggles or feel safe enough to speak up.

Awareness saves lives only when it includes everyone.

The Pandemic’s Lasting Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic intensified many risk factors for eating disorders: isolation, loss of routine, anxiety, social media exposure, and lack of access to in-person support.

The data is sobering:

• In the U.S., health visits for eating disorders among children under 17 more than doubled between 2018 and 2022

These trends confirm what educators, counselors, and families are already seeing, the crisis is growing, not fading.

Why Early Intervention Changes Everything

Eating disorders are highly treatable -especially when identified early.

Early intervention:

• Improves long-term recovery outcomes
• Reduces medical complications
• Lowers relapse risk
• Supports academic stability
• Protects mental and emotional development

Schools, families, and healthcare providers all play a vital role in recognizing warning signs and responding quickly with compassion and proper care.

Awareness Must Lead to Support

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is more than a calendar event. It’s a reminder that:

• Eating disorders do not have a “look”
• They do not belong to one gender
• And they should never be faced alone

Here’s how you can help:

For educators and school leaders:

• Advocate for mental health screening and eating-disorder education
• Normalize conversations around body image and mental health
• Know the referral pathways for professional support

For parents and caregivers:

• Watch for changes in eating habits, mood, energy, or academic performance
• Talk openly and without judgment
• Seek professional help early

For students:

• You are not weak for struggling
• You deserve help
• Your story matters

Moving Forward Together

At Logos School, student well-being extends beyond academics. Creating environments where young people feel seen, supported, and safe to ask for help is essential to long-term success in school and in life.

This week, and every week, let’s challenge stereotypes, share accurate information, and extend compassion to every student who may be struggling silently.

Because eating disorders aren’t gendered.

And awareness, when paired with action - can save lives.

Ready to explore how Logos School can support your family? Learn more about our programs and resources by visiting Logos School. For more information contact Stephanie Kolker skolker@logosschool.org or call her at 314.997.7002 ext. 116.

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Logos School provides a lifeline to students through a transformative, personalized therapeutic and academic program, fostering a path to hope and success. We welcome students through open enrollment, whether privately or through their home school district. Our structured, yet flexible environment fosters our students’ needs with compassion and acceptance and cultivates a supportive peer community, empowering students toward graduation or mainstreaming success.

 

About the author.
Laura DeVries is the founder and owner of CommCore Marketing, a certified Woman-Owned Business Enterprise based in St. Charles, Missouri.

She specializes in driving sales growth and brand awareness through strategic marketing, compelling storytelling, and results-focused digital campaigns, and is recognized for helping organizations build strong, impactful online presences.

Beyond her professional work, Laura is a dedicated community advocate, serving on multiple nonprofit boards and service organizations. Her work as a mental health advocate began alongside the early years of her business and continues to deepen as she supports her son through his mental health journey. This lived experience fuels her mission to elevate awareness, compassion, and meaningful resources for families navigating similar challenges.

Laura can be reached at laurad@commcoremarketing.com or 314.308.0799.
Learn more at www.commcoremarketing.com.