During the 2008 Eating Disorders Awareness Week, Anorexia & Bulimia Care (ABC) - our partners on the recently released Eating Disorders Training DVD - are looking to educate churches and youth groups about the common mistakes people make about eating disorders.

In a campaign led by the statement "Coffee & biscuits after the service? Not everyone.", ABC are telling the story of Joe. The 27-year old husband and father suffered from Anorexia Nervosa for 3 years but now has been free from the condition for 10 years, thanks to support, treatment and the grace of God. He's proof of life after an eating disorder and Joe is now in full-time ministry.

The common misconception that eating disorders only affect teenage girls is just one of the myths that ABC are keen to educate people about. Here are the facts:

• Eating disorders are just as common in churches as in other groups of people.

• Research suggests that in a congregation of 200 there is likely to be at least one person suffering with anorexia, and up to ten with some form of bulimia or binge eating disorder.

• Eating disorders cause more deaths than any other psychiatric illness

• Rates of eating disorders are at an all time high with some studies suggesting as many as ¼ of adolescent girls are struggling with their eating.

• The rates of eating disorders are increasing in men and boys despite being more common in girls and women.

• Men in particular struggle to be diagnosed and many endure months of tests and other treatment before they find help.

• Around 10% of cases of anorexia, and as many as 15% of those with bulimia are men. Rates are even higher in cases of binge eating disorder with as many as 2/3 of sufferers male.

• Eating disorders can affect people of all ages and backgrounds ABC has supported sufferers aged from 8 – 70 years.

• It is possible to recovery from eating disorders. However, recovery often takes a long time and can be very difficult.

• As Christians we need to understand and support sufferers and their families as they work towards recovery.

More information can be obtained from ABC's website and the 'Infocus: Eating Disorders' Training DVD is available today from the Urban Saints Support Centre, priced £7 (plus P&P).