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Clemson NEDA walk to raise awareness about eating disorders

The Tiger: Clemson University - 2/6/2017

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Walk will take place on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 1 p.m. in Nettles Park to support of those suffering from eating disorders.

"The goal of the NEDA Walk is to raise awareness about eating disorders and to educate people about the dangers surrounding eating disorders," said Ashley McMullen, a sophomore PRTM major who is an organizer for the event.

McMullen was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa during her freshman year of high school and received treatment at an inpatient treatment facility at UNC Chapel Hill.

"This treatment center was four hours away from my home in Columbia, South Carolina, but was the closest option because South Carolina did not have any treatment centers at the time," McMullen said. "While in treatment I learned about NEDA and the ways it helps to raise awareness about eating disorders and provide support for people who have eating disorders."

The following year, McMullen and her mom planned the first NEDA Walk in South Carolina. This year, the fifth annual NEDA walk will be held in Columbia.

"I hope the NEDA walk will encourage and inspire someone who might be struggling to seek help and let them know that they are not alone," McMullen said.

NEDA hosts more than 40 national walks each year to raise awareness and funds in support of their goal. McMullen wanted to bring the walk to Clemson because of how common eating disorders are among college students.

The Eating for Life Alliance estimates clinical eating disorders affect 10-20 percent of female university students and 4-10 percent of male university students, and NEDA estimates 20 million women and 10 million men in the U.S. will suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder during their lifetime. Clemson students can seek treatment for eating disorders through CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services).

"I think that often times people feel like they are the only ones who are going through this, so I hope that when people leave the walk they will feel empowered and know that there is hope," McMullen said.

According to the event's Facebook page, the goal is to raise $10,000 to support NEDA in accomplishing its goal to "envision a world without eating disorders." According to the NEDA website, the raised funds go toward education programs for early intervention, programs and services to support family members and advocacy programs that improve access to care.

"NEDA Awareness Week starts Sunday, Feb. 26, the day after the walk, and the theme this year is 'It's time to talk about it.' By starting a conversation and raising awareness about eating disorders, we can help those struggling receive the treatment they need," McMullen said.

For more information about the walk, visit https://www.nedawalk.org/clemson2017.