On the recordFebruary 27, 2014
Today I rise to recognize National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Approximately 30 million Americans battle eating disorders at some point in their lives. Eating disorders affect both women and men and span nearly every socioeconomic and racial demographic. Yet, due to widespread stigma, those who struggle often struggle alone. Eating disorders are the most deadly form of mental illness. Between 10 and 20 percent of those suffering from anorexia do not survive their disease. Indeed anorexia, binge eating, bulimia, and other eating disorders often lead to serious medical complications, including organ failure and heart disease. Despite this grave threat to public health, our research, prevention, and treatment efforts remain shamefully underfunded. This National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, I urge my colleagues to take action and to join me, cosponsor H.R. 2101, the Federal Response to Eliminating Eating Disorders Act. We can and we must do better. ____________________
