Learn About Eating Disorders

AARP Colorado would like to inform you of an opportunity to learn about eating disorders. *The Eating Disorder Foundation in Denver is presenting a Lunch and Learn on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. and again from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1901 E. 20th Ave., Denver, CO 80205. Register for one class. A light meal will be served. Seating is limited; reserve your spot now for this free event by calling 303-322-3373.

Eating Disorders

It is important to realize that eating disorders are incredibly complex illnesses.  There are numerous myths out there, and the staggering statistics are not well known.  Large gains have been made in the field, but there is still much to understand.

While we do know that some factors such as genetics, dieting, and body dissatisfaction can contribute to the development of eating disorders, there is no known cause.  Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for an eating disorder to go unnoticed for a long period of time, or be misdiagnosed by a medical professional.  Many treatment modalities have been found to be successful, and we know recovery is possible, but eating disorders continue to claim lives every year.

While commonly affecting young women, eating disorders can impact people of all ages, races and genders. In the United States, 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in their life, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, or an “other specified feeding or eating disorder” (OSFED). In the past five years we have seen a rise in eating disorders in our senior population. Often, grandparents are caring for a grandchild with an eating disorder as well.

Is it possible for us to live in a world without eating disorders? The answer is yes. Despite the fact that eating disorders are extremely complex and prevalent, prevention is possible. We can all make a difference by changing our conversations with friends, family, colleagues, etc. Right now, we talk about dieting, losing weight, and what we dislike about our bodies. What if we start eating healthy, maintaining a healthy body weight, and begin to recognize just how beautiful each of our own unique bodies are? We need to replace the negative thoughts about our bodies with appreciation and acceptance. Eating disorders can be deadly, so it’s important for us as a society to not be afraid to talk about them. Recognizing that they are a huge problem and identifying how we can support, love, and encourage the people in our lives that struggle with them is a critical step in preventing eating disorders. We must eliminate the guilt and shame that often precludes people from getting the treatment they need.

The organization started with a single support group devoted to the families and friends of those suffering from eating disorders. At the time, no other non-profit organization in the Denver area was devoted solely to issues involving eating disorders or to providing no-cost support to those with eating disorders, as well as to their friends and families. From 2003 until 2012, EDF operated out of a small office in Denver’s Cherry Creek area, expanding its support groups, developing educational materials for Colorado schools, providing networking and information sharing for eating disorder professionals and addressing a broad array of individual needs and inquiries. In 2012, EDF moved into its new headquarters in Denver’s Uptown/City Park neighborhood. Dubbed “A Place of Our Own,” the newly renovated, homelike facility enabled EDF to include new programs and accommodate drop-in visits while providing a welcoming environment for those attending support groups, workshops and classes. Throughout its history and with the help of a committed core of volunteers, EDF has continued to sharpen its mission and expand its programs, but remains dedicated to rebuilding lives by creating recovery-oriented communities of understanding.

  Please contact the Eating Disorder Foundation at 303-322-3373 if you have questions about eating disorders in your family or with friends. 

* This is not an AARP event. Any information you provide to the host organization will be governed by its privacy policy.