Across Alaska, the adults who work with young people, teachers, counselors, coaches, and mentors, see firsthand how hard growing up can be. Between social pressure, body expectations, diet culture, and the constant comparisons fueled by social media, many youth are struggling silently. Too often, early signs of disordered eating go unnoticed until the situation becomes extremely serious.
The Alaska Eating Disorders Alliance (AKEDA) wants to change that narrative. With a mission to provide help and inspire hope, AKEDA is a nonprofit founded in 2019 to address the need for education, advocacy, and support for Alaskans affected by eating disorders. Today, AKEDA continues to expand its programming and outreach across the state.
In 2026, AKEDA will be offering free, grant-funded training for professionals across the state. Rather than a lecture or a checklist, this workshop is designed to be interactive and practical, built for the real moments adults encounter every day with the young people they support. Participants will learn how to help kids feel safe in their own bodies, how to spot the subtle signs that something might be wrong, and how to start compassionate conversations with students and families.
Why This Matters in Alaska
Eating disorders can feel invisible, especially in a state as big and spread out as ours. But the numbers tell a different story.
An estimated 65,000 Alaskans will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime. These illnesses are not only common; they’re dangerous and life threatening. Eating disorders are the second deadliest mental-health condition, and many begin shockingly early.
We are noticing worrying trends:
- 34% of 5-year-old girls say they restrict what they eat
- 33% of 3rd-grade girls fear becoming “fat”
Recent Alaska YRBS data echoes this concern among older youth:
- 1 in 3 high school students reported using unsafe weight-loss methods
- 29% engaged in binge eating
- 43% reported other disordered eating behaviors
In a state with no in-state eating-disorder treatment facilities, prevention, early support, and adult awareness become not just valuable, but life saving.
What the Training Offers
The workshop gives adults the confidence to:
- Recognize early signs of disordered eating before they escalate
- Promote body confidence in everyday interactions
- Build inclusive, supportive school and community environments
- Talk about appearance, food, and mental health in ways that protect rather than harm
- Work in partnership with families and behavioral health professionals
This training will be valuable for anyone who works with youth: teachers, classroom aides, counselors, nurses, coaches, after-school staff, librarians, and community leaders.
Participant Feedback
- “Best training. It was interactive, personable, memorable take aways, multiple levels to engage, numerous resources.”
- “Really enjoyed the information and the speaker was so relatable and knowledgeable!”
- “Fantastic presentation. Thoughtful and useful information.”
- “Great speaker! Thank you for your story & expertise. You helped me in my practice & in my life. Thank you!“
Cost & Access
Thanks to grant funding, the training is free for a limited time. Organizations outside the Anchorage/Mat-Su region are encouraged to support travel costs when possible, helping AKEDA bring this important resource to communities statewide.
Learn more about AKEDA on our website: https://www.akeatingdisordersalliance.org/