Eating Disorders Awareness Week is an international awareness event taking place from 2-8 March, fighting the myths and misunderstandings that surround anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder and Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS).

On average, 149 weeks pass before those experiencing eating disorder symptoms seek help.  That’s almost three years, 37 months or 1,043 days.

In fact, Beat, the UK’s leading eating disorder charity, estimates that 1.25 million people in the UK are living with an eating disorder, many of whom are unaware of their disorder.

In a YouGov survey conducted for Beat, more than one in three adults (34%) in the UK, who gave an answer, could not name any signs or symptoms of eating disorders.  Find out more about the signs of eating disorders here.

The sooner someone gets the treatment they need, the more likely they are to make a full and fast recovery, which is why it is important that we continue to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of an eating disorder, and encourage and empower people to take action now – no matter how long their symptoms have been present.

As part of Eating Disorders Awareness Week, Beat is asking people to organise fundraising efforts to help it continue its work to support people in the UK who are struggling with eating disorders.

If you are interested in fundraising for Beat then you can find out more here.