Harry Reid: “today I am introducing the Eating Disorders Information and Education Act of 1997. This legislation would establish a…”

“today I am introducing the Eating Disorders Information and Education Act of 1997. This legislation would establish a program, as part of the Public Health Service Act, to provide information and education to the public on the prevention and treatment of eating disorders. Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorders. Further, my bill would provide for the operation of toll-free telephone communications to provide information to the public on eating disorders. Such communications shall be available on a 24-hour, 7-day basis. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and compulsive overeating are all serious emotional problems that can have life-threatening consequences. An eating disorder refers to a set of distorted eating habits, weight management practices, and attitudes about weight and body shape. Further, it is these distorted eating related attitudes and behaviors that result in loss of self-control, obsession, anxiety, guilt, and other forms of misery, alienation from self and others, and physiological imbalances which are potentially life threatening.”