A foundational guide to understanding eating disorders, and the systems that shape healing.
EATING DISORDERS 101
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions rooted in a web of biological, psychological, and social factors. To truly understand them, we must look beyond stereotypes and statistics and center the real people whose lives are impacted by inequitable systems of care.
Project HEAL’s Eating Disorders 101 library was created to provide an accessible, identity-informed foundation for understanding eating disorders. Whether you’re a clinician, advocate, loved one, or person with lived experience, these resources will help you navigate the realities of eating disorders, their treatment, and the barriers that still exist.
Explore our library of comprehensive educational pages, blogs, and guides below.
SECTION 1: Understanding Eating Disorders
Start here to build a foundational understanding of what eating disorders are and who they impact.
What Are Eating Disorders? Overview of types, symptoms, and underlying factors
Terms and Diagnoses Glossary of key terminology and diagnostic categories
Common Misconceptions Myths that harm, and what the research really shows
Eating Disorder Statistics Data that illustrates scope, trends, and disparities
Featured Pages
SECTION 2: Signs, Symptoms, and the Path to Healing
Recognizing the early signs and understanding the unique healing journey of each individual.
Warning Signs How to spot early indicators in yourself or someone you love
Treatment Options Levels of care, what to expect, and how to find support
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Explore our Treatment Access Programs including Cash Assistance and Clinical Assessment
Learn about our Community Care and Meal Support Programs
Find a free Community Support Group that meets your unique needs
Connect to Care
SECTION 3: Barriers to Treatment and Access
Why treatment remains out of reach for so many and what Project HEAL is doing to change that.
Barriers to Treatment How systemic inequities block access to care
Cost of Treatment The financial burden of healing
Lack of Providers Why culturally competent, affordable providers are so hard to find
Research Studies Evidence-based insights driving the future of eating disorder care
Featured Pages
Explore More from Project HEAL
Read the results from our Barriers to Treatment Access Study
Be a part of closing gaps in culturally competent care by taking our Informed Clinical Training
Find treatment and paths to healing through our trusted list of HEALers Circle Providers