A resolution designating the week of February 26 through March 4, 2018, as "National Eating Disorders Awareness Week" and supporting the goals and ideals of raising awareness and understanding of eating disorders.

Whereas eating disorders affect 30,000,000 individuals in the United States at some point during their lifetimes;

Whereas eating disorders are caused by a complex interaction of genetic, biological, social, behavioral, and psychological factors;

Whereas eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, and other feeding or eating disorders;

Whereas individuals with eating disorders have some of the highest mortality rates of all mental illnesses;

Whereas there is a high prevalence of eating disorders among members of the Armed Forces on active duty and veterans;

Whereas many health professionals receive limited or no formal training about eating disorders or the identification and treatment of eating disorders;

Whereas best practices for the treatment of an eating disorder includes the involvement of the patient, the family of the patient, and a comprehensive team of professionals such as social workers, mental health counselors, primary care practitioners, psychiatrists, psychologists, dietitians, and other specialty providers; and

Whereas more research on eating disorders is needed to inform evidence-based treatments, promote prevention efforts, facilitate early identification, and provide insight on illness causation and the effects of eating disorders on minds and bodies: Now, therefore, be it