NEDA Thanks the CFDA for a 'Step in the Right Direction' with Updated Guidelines

Online, February 8, 2012 (Newswire.com) - The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) commends the recent move by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), which released an updated set of guidelines to ensure the health of runway models during the upcoming New York Fashion Week, Feb. 9-16.

Commented Lynn Grefe, president and CEO of NEDA, "We thank Diane von Furstenberg and the Council of Fashion Designers of America for these updated guidelines to help ensure the health of runway models. However, there are still great strides to be made and we believe that eating disorder screenings for minors should be mandatory. Although these guidelines are good 'suggestions,' no real health protections exist in this industry for those under 18. That is particularly worrisome in an industry that is not only known for extreme thinness - in fact, it's practically required - putting its models at dramatically increased risk of developing an illness that has the highest mortality rate of any other mental illness. Minors deserve protection."

Key points of the new guidelines include:

• Educate the industry to identify early warning signs in an individual at risk of developing an eating disorder.

• Encourage models who may have an eating disorder to seek professional help in order to continue modeling. Models who are receiving professional help for an eating disorder should not continue modeling without medical approval.

• Support the well-being of youth by not hiring models under the age of 16 for runway shows; not allowing models under 18 to work past midnight; checking IDs to verify age; and providing regular breaks and rest. Consult applicable labor laws found at www.labor.state.ny.us when working with models under 16.

• Supply healthy meals, snacks and water backstage and at shoots and provide nutrition and fitness education.

Read the full guidelines at: www.cfda.com/health-initiative-guidelines-updated-by-the-cfda

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, Feb. 26-March 3

NEDA is launching its 25th annual National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAwareness Week), Feb. 26-March 3, in an ongoing mission to bring public attention to the critical need to raise awareness and funding to battle eating disorders in the U.S.

During NEDAwareness Week, thousands of people come together in communities across the country, hosting events to raise awareness about body image and bring national attention to the severity of eating disorders, which are mental illnesses (not lifestyle choices) with devastating, often life-threatening, consequences. While there is hope and recovery is possible - particularly with early intervention - many people suffer from the long-term effects of these illnesses.

Themed Everybody Knows Somebody in 2012, some of the many events planned for the week include presentations and health fairs in schools and on college campuses; screenings of informational films; fashion shows featuring men and women of all body types; art shows; The Great Jeans Giveaway; and NEDA Walk fundraisers.

To help promote NEDAwareness week this year, NYC's Empire State Building will be lit in NEDA's signature green and blue logo colors the night of Tuesday, Feb. 28 to put a spotlight on the fight against eating disorders.

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), headquartered in New York City, is the leading U.S. non-profit organization supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDA serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care. Each year, NEDA helps millions of people across the country find information and appropriate treatment resources through its toll-free, live helpline, its many outreach programs and website. NEDA advocates for advancements in the field and envisions a world without eating disorders. For more information, visit www.NationalEatingDisorders.org

For Treatment Referrals, Visit www.NationalEatingDisorders.org
Or Contact NEDA's Live Helpline: 800-931-2237
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (EST)

Contacts:
Greenleaf & Associates - 323-660-5800
Vicki Greenleaf - [email protected]
Karen Brundage - [email protected]

Available for Interviews:
• Lynn Grefe, President and CEO of NEDA.
• Doctors, psychologists & other eating disorder treatment specialists throughout the country.
• Recovered eating disorder patients.
• Celebrity NEDA ambassadors.