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Binge Eating Disorder Association Supports Fashion Industry Stand Against Underweight Models

(Severna Park, MD) October 22, 2009 - The Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) announced today its support for the fashion industry’s recent stand against using emaciated models.

In the past few weeks, fashion industry professionals have been challenging ultra-thin images of beauty. Among them are London knitwear designer Mark Fast, who chose size 12 and 14 models to showcase his form-fitting dresses at London’s Fashion Week show, and senior booker for Verbmodels Matan Uziel, whose company has adopted a new global guideline prohibiting use of models or actors who are either excessively slim or promote “unhealthy” slimness. In addition, Brigitte, a top-selling women’s fashion magazine in Germany, barred professional models from its pages in favor of “real women.” In response to which clothing designer Karl Lagerfeld commented, “Nobody wants to see a round woman.” During the same time period, Ralph Lauren fired model Filipa Hamilton for being “too fat,” even though her weight was in the anorexic range.

BEDA advocates for individuals with all eating disorders, from those who are underweight to those who are overweight.

“We see the shame, distress, depression, anxiety, and pain that result from eating disorders,” states Chevese Turner, BEDA chief executive officer. “Individuals and our society at large are affected, and we believe it is vitally important for fashion industry leaders to commit to promoting healthier images of women and men enjoying fashion and a broader definition of beauty. While we appreciate the fashion industry’s talent, we must also realize that it has a tremendous influence on our culture. We must understand that including realistic shapes and sizes helps counter the body dissatisfaction, illness, and even death that is a reality for those who are predisposed to and struggling with eating disorders. We must protest the messages based on body size and shape that undermine the self worth of girls and women, and boys and men worldwide.

“On behalf of BEDA and the Academy for Eating Disorders, I congratulate the courageous fashion industry professionals who challenge the belief that the only way to be beautiful is to be thin,” Turner continues. “BEDA urges people around the world to support those who dare to defy the unhealthy standard of “rail-thin” beauty; we encourage you to use your purchasing power and your voice to make change happen and save lives.”

Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) is a national organization focusing on the need to increase prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for binge eating disorder. Through education, outreach and support, and resources, BEDA is committed to facilitating awareness, quality of care, and recovery for those who live and those who work with binge eating disorder. For more information, visit www.bedaonline.com.