National Eating Disorders Association

NEW YORK (March 6, 2008) — The stigma associated with eating disorders has long kept individuals and families affected with these illnesses suffering in silence. Yet as hundreds of events held across the country last week during the National Eating Disorder Association’s (NEDA) 21^st annual NEDAwareness Week (Feb. 24 – March 1) attest, eating disorders demand serious public attention.

“Our voice across the country is growing stronger and stronger, as more and more events are held during NEDAwareness Week to generate awareness of the severity of eating disorders,” said Lynn Grefe, NEDA CEO. “NEDAwareness Week continues to be a driving force in breaking the silence around eating disorders, and giving our cause the public attention it deserves.”

From coast to coast, events during NEDAwareness Week demonstrated the passion people have to ensure that eating disorders are viewed as serious illnesses, not a lifestyle choice. In Los Angeles, Paige Premium Denim hosted a Hollywood star-studded party. In Boulder, Colorado, two filmmakers marked the debut of their documentary Beauty Mark, the compelling story of a world class runner who battled anorexia. In Columbus, Ohio, high school students at Columbus Academy held their 5^th annual fashion show and silent auction. In New York City, a nutritionist and chef teamed up to offer 20 women a fascinating evening of fearless eating.

College campuses were a hotbed of eating disorder awareness activity last week. The University of Maryland held a scale smashing, film night, free yoga class, eating disorder treatment expert panel and free screenings. Vanderbilt University’s Image Week activities included Food 101, a discussion on surviving eating disorders and a Love Your Genes clothing Drive. Skidmore College hosted a series of events, including a comedy show to benefit NEDA, screening of the movie “Real Women Have Curves,” starring actress America Ferrera and a panel discussion. The University of California at San Francisco held an event every day last week, including workshops, documentary screenings and a Great Jeans Giveaway, encouraging students to “love the skin you are in, wear jeans that fit the real you.”

Additionally, thousands of pairs of jeans were donated in Great Jeans Giveways across the country, promoting the NEDAwareness Week theme “Be Comfortable in Your Genes.”

“NEDAwareness Week is all about breaking through that wall of shame that prevents people from getting treatment, and inhibits funding for research, “ said Grefe. “Every year, our cry from around the country gets louder. To everyone who participated this year, and to those who will seek treatment as a result of those efforts, we give our heartfelt thanks and support.”