According to a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the global prevalence of eating disorders increased from 3.5% to 7.8% between 2000 and 2018.** And, although patients in the United States may have a number of treatment options; other countries are still battling cultural norms, fewer mental health treatment options, and societal stigma attached to mental health challenges. This is why Something For Kelly focuses on creating international awareness of eating disorders and other mental health challenges.

Last month, we visited Japan to meet with doctors in Tokyo who specialize in treating eating disorders. While there we discussed how the culture and society impact individuals’ willingness and ability to openly seek help for eating disorders. Traditionally, Japan has one of the lowest obesity rates in the world – a fact that is championed by the government and reinforced through annual workplace health check-ups. Nevertheless, we are beginning to see more disordered eating behaviors among young adults as they struggle to live up to the modern social perception that thinness is essential for beauty.

This is why our visit with Dr.Kazuhiro Yoshiucih and Dr. Nohara, Nobuhiro at the University of Tokyo was so important. These two, esteemed doctors are working to shine a light on eating disorders within their country. Through their studies on Psychosomatic Medicine, they hope to reveal the importance of enhancing their nation’s medical treatment for mental health challenges and de-stigmatize eating disorders.

We also met with Kaori Ogiwara, a Clinical Psychologist at TIP Tokyo International Psychotherapy. Kaori is very dedicated to improving the recovery experience for individuals and families impacted by eating disorders in Japan. Her fluency in English makes her an especially valuable asset for the eating disorders community in Japan. Kaori has already worked to translate information provided by F.E.A.S.T., an international organization that supports parents and caregivers of loved ones affected by eating disorders.

We are beginning to see some headway, as more and more Japanese doctors and therapists reach out to collaborate and provide resources, like the information provided by Something For Kelly.

But, this is just a first step toward eliminating the shame associated with mental health challenges and eating disorders in countries like Japan. We must be willing to collaborate cross-culturally and offer resources and information in a manner that will open the door to discussions and encourage effective therapies for those affected.

At Something for Kelly, we are passionate about this work. We will continue to open the door to communication across the globe. Each connection we make is an opportunity to offer better resources and options to individuals living with eating disorders. 

**Galmiche, M., Déchelotte, P., Lambert, G., & Tavolacci, M. P. (2019). Prevalence of eating disorders over the 2000-2018 period: a systematic literature review. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 109(5), 1402–1413. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqy342