The Butterfly Foundation has launched “Paint Your Middle Finger for May” campaign to raise money and awareness about eating disorders. Yesterday was International No Diet Day, which promoted positive body image and self-esteem in people of all shapes and sizes.
Marlo Brown, 21, is recovering from Anorexia Nervosa. Ms Brown said there is not enough awareness and support when it comes to eating disorders.
“Rurally, there is nowhere near enough support. There is not a single bed in a regional hospital dedicated to treating those who need to be hospitalized for their eating disorder,” she said.
“I think awareness needs to come from prevention mostly.
“By starting with girls at a young age, challenging that same notion that weight and body image define what we are worth. But it is a very serious mental illness.”
Ms Brown has approached regional politicians in an effort to start an awareness campaign in rural areas.
In the past 10 years, the number of people with eating disorders has doubled, according to the National Eating Disorders Collaboration.
