Why Eating Disorder Prevention and Recovery Can’t Wait

Published February 4, 2026 | Last Updated January 29, 2026

Top-down view of a diverse group of smiling children with heads together, representing community, resilience, and feeling supported.

Dear WithAll Supporters,

When our community is enveloped in chaos—actions in violation of human rights, constitutional rights, the rule of law, and the stability of families and communities—it is reasonable to think that eating disorder prevention work needs to be secondary. Like it can wait. Supporting young people to develop health body image can wait.  Healthy food relationships can wait.

And it’s easy to believe that eating disorder recovery can also wait.

I believe the opposite is true—that in chaos, this work—eating disorder prevention and recovery support—is more important than ever.

Eating disorder prevention—supporting kids to grow up feeling at ease and peaceful in their body and food—is not only a foundational health issue. It’s a belonging issue. A relationship issue. A resilience issue.

Because when young people learn:

  • to live in their bodies with respect (not fear or shame)
  • to relate to food in a positive, healthful way, from a place of empowerment—not shame or guilt
  • to read social media and all other media with a thoughtful, discerning eye
  • to build relationships rooted in unconditional acceptance (with no conditions on appearance)
  • to ask for help early—and be met with compassion

…they’re not only less likely to develop an eating disorder. They’re more likely to become adults who can navigate uncertainty without turning on themselves. Adults who can stay connected to others. Adults who can lead with empathy and courage.

Prevention—body image and food messaging—is not soft “bonus” work. It is protective work.

And in moments when our systems feel shaky, strengthening what holds people together—self-worth, unconditional caring, deep community—matters as much as ever.

WithAll and our What to Say and Recovery Support efforts will keep showing up in chaos or in calm—because kids deserve to grow up free from appearance or food shame, and surrounded by the deep knowledge that they belong unconditionally, regardless of their body’s appearance.

And we know that doing this, with you and other supporters like you, helps them thrive—now and in the long run.

With gratitude,

Lisa's Signature

Lisa Radzak
Executive Director, WithAll

P.S. Every dollar helps us reach more parents, coaches, healthcare providers, and more kids with the tools that change outcomes. Donate today.

Lisa Radzak
By Lisa Radzak
As Executive Director, Lisa leads WithAll’s strategic growth as a sustainable social enterprise dedicated to the prevention of and healing from eating disorders. Lisa has more than 20 years of experience in public affairs, community relations, and law, and nearly 15 years of experience in non-profit leadership, most recently at Minnesota Public Radio/American Public Media. She is a graduate of Mitchell Hamline School of Law, a member of the Minnesota Bar, and a Minnesota Supreme Court appointee to Minnesota’s Lawyers Professional Responsibility Board. She volunteers with her daughter’s school and with youth sports. Lisa does this work because she knows eating disorders are not a choice; they are deadly, and they are everywhere. She also knows kids are not born with harmful thoughts and actions around food or their body—and it’s our job as adults to keep it this way so they can focus their precious brains and time on things that matter. Lisa finds laughter, all children, and the numerous variations of sparkling water to be delightful.

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