Gold Award Spotlight: EDucation: Learn about Eating Disorders
Did you know that nearly 1 in 10 teens struggle with eating disorders, a serious mental illness? After learning this shocking statistic, Girl Scout Ambassador Lydia took action to make a positive impact by spreading awareness about the effect and presence of eating disorders among teens — and earned the Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting. With a mission of making a positive change in mind, she addressed the lack of community awareness about the signs, symptoms, and resources surrounding an issue that disproportionately affects adolescents.
According to data by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), eating disorders affect at least 9% of the population worldwide. ANAD also states that 35-57% of adolescent girls engage in crash dieting, fasting, self-induced vomiting, diet pills, or laxatives, in order to stay thin. This often results in unhealthy habits that affect the physical and mental wellbeing of preteens and adolescents, especially girls.
Lydia compiled research about eating disorders in adolescents with the intention of educating students, educators, and mentors in her community. She created a lesson plan with accompanying pamphlets about ways to recognize if you or a loved one are suffering, and where to seek help. She presented the 30-minute lesson during three Health and Nutrition classes for students at Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake. She also shared her program outside of school with others in her community during school visits, Girl Scout troop meetings, and community fairs.
“There are numerous misconceptions about eating disorders out in the world, and these heavily influence people’s perceptions about them and those who struggle with them,” Lydia said. “Due to these stigmas around eating disorders, people don’t realize how serious they can be, and how a person can be affected by them. Lots of people do not know the various types of eating disorders or warning signs, so when an individual is struggling with one, no one realizes it. This can prove to be harmful because once an eating disorder gets worse, it’s harder to treat. Only about 20% of people with eating disorders will ever be treated, and the percentage is partially low because many people do not know they’re struggling or because others can’t recognize someone else struggling.”
Thanks to Lydia, her community has more of the resources they need to help students stay healthy and navigate challenges they may face around disordered eating.
Congratulations, Lydia!
