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So, what do I mean by Pakistan Vs USA …. is there a cricket match going on. Well guys, don't rush because I am just talking about the conditions of eating disorders in the USA and Pakistan. What do you think, which country is better in dealing with eating disorders and what are the conditions? Let me be your guide through this journey. So what are we waiting for, lets put on our travelling caps on? First of all, talking about the condition of eating disorders in the USA. According to the statistics given by the NEDA, around 30 million people in the USA suffer through eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating. Worldwide, around 70 million suffer from eating disorders and we already know that out of this 70 million, 30 million are people from the USA. But there are problems with these statistics which are that many people do not expose themselves as a person suffering through eating disorder due to shame. Every person who does not satisfy the DSM-5 classification can be a patient of an eating disorder. DSM-5 is a manual used by mental health professionals in the US to classify mental disorders. In the whole of the US population, half of the males are affected by eating disorders but they do not accept it which increases the number of people suffering through eating disorders in the USA. (Tabitha, May 2014) . in USA, 1 per cent of adolescent females are affected by anorexia nervosa. 90% of the sufferers in eating disorders are females although men also get affected but they hide this. Now let's see what is the US doing to solve the issue of eating disorders, the United States government includes funding for eating disorders research through the department of defence (NEDA). The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is a leading nonprofit in the field of eating disorders. NEDA was founded in 2001 through the merger of two other organizations Eating Disorders Awareness & Prevention (EDAP) and American Anorexia Bulimia Association (AABA).
In 2018, NEDA also merged with the Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA). The association’s national toll-free confidential hotline (800-931-2237) is staffed daily by trained volunteers that provide information, support, and referrals to treatment. They also offer 24/7 crisis support via text (send 'NEDA' to 741741).
NEDA organizes fundraising walks throughout the United States at various times of the year. The walks serve as vehicles to unite communities and raise awareness. The organization's website also provides a wide range of free resources and information, including online screening and toolkits for parents, educators, and coaches.
Besides, NEDA organizes and sponsors National Eating Disorders Week, also known as NEDAwareness Week, during the last week in February each year. The goal of this week is to raise awareness of the dangers of eating disorders and the need for intervention.
Moreover, NEDA’s Feeding Hope Fund for Clinical Research raises restricted funds specifically for providing grants to qualified clinical researchers. These research grants focus on innovative treatment, prevention, and training dissemination.
Individuals can support NEDA financially or contribute their time by volunteering, attending a walk, and/or spreading the word during NEDAwareness week.
Now incorporating BEDA as well, NEDA will continue the important work of that organization. Although Binge Eating Disorder (BED) did not become an official diagnosis until 2013, BED is actually the most common eating disorder.
Through outreach, education, and advocacy, BEDA made great strides to increase awareness, proper diagnosis, and treatment of BED.
NEDA will now incorporate this mission as well and also continue to address weight stigma including sponsoring Weight Stigma Awareness Week, an annual online event in September to raise awareness of weight stigma.
then there is another organization known as Project Heal. Project Heal was founded by Liana Rosenman and Kristina Saffran, who met while attending treatment for anorexia nervosa when they were just 13 years old. The two girls supported each other in achieving recovery. Along the way, they discovered that insurance coverage for eating disorders is severely lacking, leaving many unable to get the help they need.
In the spring of 2008, at the age of 15, Rosenman and Saffran founded Project HEAL to raise money for others suffering from eating disorders who want to recover but are unable to afford treatment.
Project HEAL currently has over 40 chapters throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia. All chapters seek to promote the mission and values of Project HEAL, focusing their efforts primarily on raising funds for their treatment grant program. They also focus on local community education about the dangers of eating disorders and on the encouragement of the idea that full recovery from an eating disorder is possible.
Project HEAL has recently launched a new peer support program called Communities of Healing, which includes one-on-one mentorship and a weekly support group led by peers in active recovery or recovered. Individuals can support Project Heal financially, get involved in a local chapter, or become a mentor.
another organization known as F.E.A.S.T which means Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders. Eating disorders take a toll on families, but loved ones can be essential allies in recovery. Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders (F.E.A.S.T) is an international organization of and for caregivers of eating disorder patients.
Around The Dinner Table is F.E.A.S.T.’s online support forum for parents of eating disorder patients from all around the world. It is moderated 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
F.E.A.S.T also provides many excellent resources via its website including its well-written Family Guide series. They believe that empowered caregivers are essential to the recovery process.
The organization has over 6,000 members on four continents and is run entirely by volunteers and supported through individual donations. Family members can make donations to support the work of F.E.A.S.T. or can volunteer their time in a myriad of ways.
another well-known organization known as Alliance for Eating Disorder Awareness is also working to solve eating disorders. The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness ("The Alliance") is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing programs and activities aimed at outreach, education, and early intervention for all eating disorders.
Founded in October 2000, the Alliance offers educational workshops and presentations, free support groups, advocacy for eating disorders and mental health legislation, a national toll-free phone helpline, referrals, support, and mentoring services.
The Alliance also produces a U.S. treatment referral guide and a new interactive referral site. The organization seeks volunteers to join committees, volunteer, and intern. They also accept donations and support for fundraisers.
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, Inc. (ANAD) is a non-profit organization working in the areas of support, awareness, advocacy, referral, education, and prevention. ANAD assists people struggling with eating disorders and also provides resources for families, schools, and the eating disorder community.
Besides, ANAD provides a helpline and support services including mentors, grocery buddies, and support groups throughout the U.S. They have many rewarding and worthy volunteer opportunities and also accept donations.
National Association for Males With Eating Disorders
One-quarter of all patients with eating disorders are male. Historically, boys and men with eating disorders have received inadequate attention, research, support, and intervention. N.A.M.E.D. plays an important role in filling this gap by offering information and resources about and support to this underrepresented population and their families.
N.A.M.E.D. is the only organization in the United States exclusively dedicated to representing and providing support to males with eating disorders. They provide support for males affected by eating disorders, provide access to collective expertise, and promote the development of effective clinical intervention and research in this population.
The N.A.M.E.D. website is also an excellent resource on male eating disorders. They accept financial donations and also provide opportunities for males with eating disorders to participate in research that is critical to a better understanding of male eating disorders.
Obesity Action Coalition (OAC)
While obesity is not considered an eating disorder, many people with obesity struggle with disordered eating. The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is a great organization that can help people understand and tackle their disorder eating. The organization also strives to help people find greater access to care and combat weight bias and discrimination.
World Eating Disorders Action Day
World Eating Disorders Action Day (#WeDoAct) is a confederation of eating disorder activists, professionals, parents/caregivers, and those personally affected.
Uniting activists across the globe, the aim is to expand global awareness of eating disorders as genetically linked, treatable illnesses that can affect anyone. Individuals can get involved in World Eating Disorders Action Day virtually and locally to help spread the word.
plus US psychiatrists and nutritionist are all working together to solve the issue of eating disorders in their country.
now coming towards how eating disorder is being handled in Pakistan. there is an organization known as JPMA ( Journal Of Pakistan Medical Association) which have brought forward the issue of eating disorder in front of the government as well as the society.
then the agha khan university hospital is specifically working on spreading awareness and spreading eating disorders. then recently some medical students from Karachi have started working on eating disorders.
Madeeha Malik*, Waseem Shaukat, Azhar Hussain from Hamdard Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hamdard University Islamabad, Pakistan in 2019 revealed a clinical investigation on eating disorders and about their solutions and treatment which is available on the internet.
then fortune journals and PubMed are two websites working on awareness on eating disorders.
Thus according to our research USA have shown a better approach in tackling this mental illness as compared to Pakistan. it will take some time for this issue to come in notice of Government of Pakistan and collaborate with various organizations in Pakistan to dredge up and intensify this issue.
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thank you very much Ayesha for commenting on this blog. it is your comments that motivate us. I hope everyone else also likes it and finds it informative.
This was really informative, and gave a clear understanding on the statistics of eating disorders in both the countries. I think the idea of comparing both the countries was wholesome. Good job!