National Eating Disorders Awareness Walk comes to Lake Eola

ORLANDO, Fla. — Get ready and lace up those shoes to walk for a cause at Lake Eola Saturday morning.

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The National Eating Disorders Association is hosting its annual walk to spread awareness and show support.

This year, more than 50 cities nationwide, like Boston, Seattle, and Charlotte, will return in-person for the annual NEDA walks.

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Eating disorders affect over 28 million people, according to NEDA. They added that these disorders have the second highest mortality rate of all mental health disorders, after opioid use disorder.

One of the goals of the walk is to raise money to help fund programs and resources focused on treatment, prevention, and access to care.

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Sarah Chase, vice President of communication, said eating disorders affect people regardless of age, race, and gender.

“20 million women and 10 million men in the United States will struggle with an eating disorder at some point in their lives. Moreover, a recent report in JAMA found that 22% of children and adolescents worldwide, that’s one-fourth of young people, showed disordered eating,” Chase said.

Chase also said the NEDA walks aim to bring hope and build strength in the communities.

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The walk begins at 10 a.m. and check-in is available at 9:30 a.m.

Walkers will meet at Lake Eola Park- Northwest Lawn near the pavilion.

See a map of the location below:

To pre-register, click here.

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Lake Eola Park Lake Eola Park in November 1908. (City of Orlando)

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