DENVER — Nearly 29 million Americans will have an eating disorder in their lifetime, according to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. It also reports that more than 10,000 deaths a year are caused by eating disorders.
That is why advocates are working to spread the word during Eating Disorder Awareness Week, which runs from Feb. 24 through March 2.
Erin O'Connell struggled to recognize the eating disorder that was plaguing her. She told Denver7 she would tell herself, "I don't have an eating disorder, I'm just getting my body the way I want it. People are allowed to do that, right?"
After some time, O'Connell's friends encouraged her to get help.