As a former model, commercial actress and host, I enjoyed my share of success within the fashion and entertainment industries. I also suffered from binge eating disorder, bulimia and anorexia nervosa for the length of my career—although the behaviors didn’t begin in the industry, they were exacerbated by things I heard, saw and experienced: things like sexual harassment, trauma, bullying, exposure to wild parties, drinking, drugs and the daily pressure to lose weight.

With the national spotlight on eating disorders during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, it’s a great time to educate our elected leaders from across the country about eating disorders, and to ask for their support of important legislation that would have a positive impact on our community. That is why we are dedicating Wednesday, February 24th to a Day of Action, and we invite you to join us!

NEDA is excited to announce that the Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee held a hearing yesterday on H.R. 4153, the Educating to Prevent Eating Disorders Act of 2015, following the bill’s introduction in the House last week by Representative Renee Ellmers.

Think dietary supplements are healthy and safe, right? Think again. Sure, they are in every local health food store, pharmacy, and grocery, but because of a loophole the size of the Grand Canyon in federal law, the usual government safeguards we depend on to keep our food and drugs safe do not apply to dietary supplements.

On June 19, Gov. Nixon of Missouri signed into law SB 145, legislation which requires health benefit plans to cover the treatment and diagnosis of eating disorders within the state. 

Free yoga classes! Lower health insurance premiums! Discounts and cash! And all you have to do is participate in your workplace wellness program! Good deal, right?

In theory, it makes sense to use incentives to encourage employees to improve their health. But in practice, many of these “voluntary” programs are discriminatory and can be especially dangerous to those affected by eating disorders.

The Missouri General Assembly has passed SB 145, important legislation which, if signed by Governor Nixon, will require health benefit plans to cover the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders in the state. 

France Bans Skinny Models from the Fashion Industry

Last Friday, April 3rd, the lower branch of the French Parliament, the National Assembly, passed legislation that would ban dangerously thin models from the fashion industry. As part of a wider health care bill expected to become law this week, the fashion industry is targeted to help change the perception of body image in the fashion world. The bill is currently awaiting approval from the Senate. 

The bill has multiple provisions, including the following:

February 22-28, 2015 is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Nationwide, advocates are paving the way for eating disorders awareness and assistance. In the United States, over 20 million women and 10 million men will suffer from an eating disorder at some time in their life. With these incredible numbers, it is encouraging to know that federal, state and local officials are working hard to gain eating disorders recognition.

On September 23, Governor Cuomo signed S2530/A5294 into law, legislation that amends the public health law to establish the Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention Program within the New York State Department of Health. The legislation was passed by the New York State Senate and Assembly in June 2014.