The landscape of body image and eating disorder recovery has thankfully improved since I was growing up. We have organizations devoted to dismantling the oppressive diet culture that created issues for many of us. Throughout my recovery journey, I’ve come across places that I think are doing great work. And as I conducted research for my piece (Grant Me The Serenity), I encountered even more.
Body positivity means different things. Some think it’s been co-opted by thin white women to mean “I accept my cellulite and flabby bits” and ignores that the goal is acceptance of *all* bodies—even the ones that people think are ‘unacceptable.’ Some say they’re fine with reaching body neutrality, as long as they don’t actively hate their bodies anymore. Others believe fat acceptance is unhealthy, or that it means thin bodies are ‘wrong’.
We’re all on own journeys shaped by our life experiences, learning as we go. I think no matter where we are, coming from a place of compassion is a good place to start.
So with the caveat that these are not endorsed, sponsored or otherwise affiliated, and to trust your own instincts and vetting, here are 10 organizations, in no particular order, that offer help with body image, fat acceptance and equity, and/or eating disorder recovery.
I hope it’s helpful for you or someone you care about.
The Body Positive. Started in 1996 by Connie Sobczak and Elizabeth Scott, The Body Positive aims to “increases self-compassion, reduces anxiety and depression, and fosters a positive relationship with one's body image, food, and exercise.” They offer courses for educators, treatment providers, and individuals— available in Spanish too. (Transparency note: I do have a facilitator certificate here, but am not actively engaged with it.)
NAAFA. The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance started 50 years ago with the goal of “making the world a better place for fat people through education, advocacy, and support.” They are a “multigenerational, intersectional social justice organization creating opportunity for big bodied people and building community for fat people and our loved ones” and offer free events like Fat Friday, writing workshops, and other resources.
FEDUP. Fighting Eating Disorders in Underrepresented Populations is “a collective of trans+, intersex, and gender diverse people who believe eating disorders in marginalized communities are social justice issues. Our mission is to make visible, interrupt, and undermine the disproportionately high incidence of eating disorders in trans and gender diverse individuals through radical community healing, recovery institution reform, research, empowerment, and education.”
Nalgona Positivity Pride. Founded by Gloria Lucas, this organization specializes in intersectional eating disorder treatment. She offers eating disorder harm reduction courses and is available for speaking engagements for community events.
Project Heal. Their mission is to make eating disorder recovery treatment accessible for all. This includes insurance navigation, grants, and treatment equity projects, as 80-90% of folks with EDs never get the treatment they need. Their CEO Rebecca Eyre states, “It is unacceptable that eating disorder recovery has become a luxury for the privileged few.”
Body Positive Alliance. This student-led organization gives me hope for a better future. They focus on “empowering individuals no matter their physical weight or size, while also challenging the ways in which society presents and views the physical body.” Geared towards younger folks, this is a resource for teens and college-age students, who can even start their own local chapter.
NEDA. The National Eating Disorders Association is “the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDA supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders, and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care.” They offer prevention programs, downloadable infographics for things like No Diet Day, and internships. (I do tread cautiously here as they might not be as inclusive as other organizations; Ragen Chastain, a former Ambassador, gives more info here.)
No Lose. They bring together “fat liberation activists, racial and economic justice workers, fatshionistas, fat studies scholars, culture-makers, food justice innovators, body positive bloggers, BBW/BHM party planners, flabulous performers, plus size business owners, and you!” Apply for a grant for an event, connect with like-minded individuals, or volunteer to support their work.
ASHDAH. Association for Size Diversity and Health “partners with service providers, educators and advocates to dismantle weight-centered health policies and practices.” They offer a listing of Healthy At Every Size (HAES) practitioners too (though I think this crowd-sourced list of weight-neutral providers is more comprehensive).
FLARE. Fat Legal Advocacy, Rights, and Education was started by Sondra Solovay, a disabled attorney who’s handled “numerous high-profile weight discrimination cases.” She handed this off to Legal Director Brandie Solovay, a “fat, legally blind, lesbian attorney who practices discrimination, disability, immigration and criminal defense law.” They offer some pro bono consultations for higher weight communities facing discrimination.
Did I miss any? Let me know 💕