Nearly 10 million females and one million males in the U.S. currently battle eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. The NEDA believes it is time to start talking about the serious issue of eating disorders, about the impact these illnesses have on families and about getting proper treatment. The theme for their inaugural walk is: "It's time to TALK about it…it's time to WALK about it."
"We are thrilled to launch the First National NEDA walk," says Lynn Grefe, CEO of NEDA. "We hope this effort will continue our ongoing mission to build awareness and educate the public on ways to receive treatment. We want to provide an outlet where people can finally speak out about the eating disorders that plague millions of people across the country."
Celebrities, including Emme, host of More to Love, Melissa Archer who stars as Natalie Buchanan in the ABC Daytime Drama, One Life to Live, Jenni Schaffer, author of "Life Without Ed" and Alanis Morissette are stepping out to support NEDA and its mission to spread awareness and shed light on the ongoing struggles women have with body image. NEDA wants the world to know that eating disorders are "not a choice," they are serious illnesses and they can be deadly.
Melissa Archer, actress from the ABC Daytime drama, One Life to Live feels strongly about the cause says, "Eating disorders are serious diseases that shouldn't be taken lightly. Society has set such high expectations on appearance and body image that have caused people to mistreat themselves in ways that are detrimental to their health. It is important to continue to support organizations like NEDA in hopes to counteract the pressures that cause such behaviors."
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), headquartered in Seattle, Wash., a not-for-profit organization, supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders and advocates for prevention, treatment and research funding for eating disorders. Since the inception of its Helpline in 1999, NEDA has referred more than 50,000 people to treatment and tallies more than 40 million hits annually on its Web site. For more information on eating disorders, visit www.NationalEatingDisorders.org
