Best Eating Disorder Support Groups of 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an Eating Disorder Support Group? - An eating disorder support group is a community of individuals and facilitators who meet regularly to discuss their experiences, offer mutual support, and share coping strategies related to eating disorders. These groups can provide additional support alongside traditional treatment programs for eating disorders.

2. What Are the Most Common Eating Disorders? - The most common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Eating disorders are estimated to affect 30 million Americans at some point in their lives, with 25% of cases occurring before the age of 20.

3. What Causes Eating Disorders? - Experts agree that eating disorders have no single cause but are influenced by a combination of environmental, psychological, and biological factors. These factors can contribute to unhealthy relationships with food and weight.

4. Does Insurance Cover Eating Disorder Support Groups? - Most eating disorder support groups are free and operate independently from traditional treatment programs. If there is a fee for participation, it should be clearly stated, and insurance coverage should be clarified with the group's organizers.

5. Are Eating Disorder Support Groups Confidential? - Confidentiality is generally maintained within eating disorder support groups, although it is recommended to seek clarification on this matter when joining a group. In some instances, specific reporting protocols may be required if there is clear and present danger of harm to a member.

6. Can an Eating Disorder Support Group Help? - While results cannot be guaranteed, eating disorder support groups provide a safe space for members to discuss their struggles during or after treatment. Studies have shown that group therapy can be beneficial for individuals with binge eating disorder, suggesting the efficacy of managing symptoms in a group setting.

7. How We Chose the Best Eating Disorder Support Groups: - The groups included in this list were chosen based on recommendations from reputable eating disorder associations and treatment centers. The goal was to provide a diverse selection of groups that would cater to different populations and needs, considering factors such as frequency, accessibility, and the specific focus of each group.

Groups Chosen for Specific Groups:

1. Forums, Chats, and Apps: - Eating Disorder Anonymous (EDA): A 12-step program with virtual meetings and a forum for support. - Reddit Eating Disorders: An anonymous online community for support and discussion of eating disorders. - Eating Disorders Coalition for Recovery Support (EDCRS): Provides peer support through online forums, chats, and a mobile app.

2. LGBTQ+ Community: - Eating Recovery Center's LGBTQ+ Program: Offers specialized eating disorder treatment and support for LGBTQ+ individuals. - National Center for Transgender Equality: Provides resources and support for transgender individuals with eating disorders. - The Trevor Project: Offers support and resources for LGBTQ+ youth, including those struggling with eating disorders.

3. Children and Adolescents: - National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): NEDA offers support groups for teens and their parents. - Eating Disorders Coalition for Recovery Support (EDCRS): EDCRS provides support groups for children and adolescents. - Center for Discovery: Offers support groups for adolescents and their families.

4. Men: - Eating Disorders Coalition for Recovery Support (EDCRS): EDCRS provides support groups specifically for men. - ManTalks: A non-profit organization that provides peer support groups for men with eating disorders and body image issues. - The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): NEDA offers support groups for men and their families.

5. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC): - The Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi): ABPsi offers support groups for Black individuals with eating disorders. - The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): NEDA offers support groups for BIPOC individuals and their families. - The Jed Foundation: The Jed Foundation provides resources and support for BIPOC individuals with eating disorders.

6. Parents and Caregivers: - The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): NEDA offers support groups for parents and caregivers of individuals with eating disorders. - Eating Disorders Coalition for Recovery Support (EDCRS): EDCRS offers support groups for parents and caregivers. - The Center for Discovery: The Center for Discovery provides support groups for parents and caregivers.

Additional Resources:

• National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) website: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
• NEDA helpline: (800) 931-2237