National Eating Disorders Association

Miss America Kirsten Haglund, Tennis Pro Zina Garrison, Actress Scarlett Pomers and Supermodel and Author Emme to Speak on the Pressure to be Thin in Public Eye

New York, September 18, 2008 – One of the largest national gatherings of individuals in recovery, families affected by eating disorders, and leading treatment experts will take place September 18-20 in Austin, Texas as the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) convenes its annual conference.

Open to the public, nearly 500 people are expected to attend and participate in a series of workshops led by leading physicians, psychotherapists, clinicians, nutritionists and other experts in the field of eating disorders. The conference will be held at the Renaissance Austin, and opens on Friday, Sept. 19 at 8:15 a.m. with a welcome by Rep. Patrick Rose, chair of Texas State House Human Services Committee.

The conference features a special panel discussion on the pressure to be thin in high profile professions such as acting, modeling, and sports, which will be held on Saturday, September 20, from 3:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Moderated by supermodel, author and body image activist Emme, the panel will feature Miss America Kirsten Haglund, “The REBA Show” actress Scarlett Pomers, tennis pro Zina Garrison and former Marine and triathlete Andrew Preston.

Other featured speakers for the general sessions include treatment experts Kathryn Zerbe, MD, author of the “Body Betrayed: Women, Eating Disorders and Treatment;

Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, Phd., author of “I’m, Like, SO Fat!: Helping Your Teen Make Healthy Choices about Eating and Exercise in a Weight-Obsessed World,” and Judith Banker, LLP, President, Academy for Eating Disorders.

The nearly 30 workshops include basics for families on how to determine the best quality care, minimize family stress and struggles, and communicate effectively with insurance companies. Other sessions include practical strategies for preventing eating disorders and body image issues in boys and girls, the latest on research in the field, tools for schools, and eating disorder education in communities considered culturally sensitive.

The conference will also feature the Texas premiere of the documentary Beauty Mark, a compelling and courageous film about the lifelong struggle of champion triathlete Diane Israel to overcome anorexia and bulimia. Beauty Mark is for anyone who has ever felt invisible because they didn't conform to our culture's impossible, unhealthy, abnormal beauty standards. This

For more information on the NEDA conference and how to register, please visit the NEDA website at www.myneda.org. A full schedule of programs can be found on the website.