About 30 million Americans have suffered from a clinically significant eating disorder at some point in their lives. Penn State kicker Joey Julius is one of them, and he wants others going through the same thing to know that they're not alone.
In a Facebook post Monday, Julius explained why he had missed spring and summer practices in 2016, writing that after an increase in weight and depression team physicians had noticed a decrease in his overall happiness.
Julius, a junior and native of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, said that he checked into treatment in St. Louis and was diagnosed with binge eating disorder (BED), something he had been living with for the past 11 years of his life.
"In order to come to this conclusion I have no one to thank except for Coach James Franklin and my training staff and doctors that stuck with me throughout this whole process," Julius wrote.
- RELATED STORIES
- Why are women the keepers of Hollywood’s diet “secrets”?
- Drexel study: Heavier kids may be more susceptible to eating disorders
- Dear female athletes: Please don’t follow Tara Lipinski’s 1,200-calorie diet
"I'm very, very proud of Joey, in so many ways, and I know this is something that probably affects and helps others, to see athletes, or someone in Joey's position, make himself vulnerable and put himself out there. I think a lot of people connect to that."
Julius ended his post by offering to listen to anyone suffering from an eating disorder.
"If anyone and I mean anyone guy or girl is struggling with the the same or anything similar please message me as I will be in immediate contact to help in any way i can to provide information or insight on my struggles and I would love to help."
According to the National Eating Disorders Association, BED is the most common eating disorder in the United States and affects two percent of men in the country.
More information on eating disorders can be found on the National Eating Disorders Association's website.
(h/t, The Cut)