National Eating Disorders Association Speaks Out Against New Showtime Show "Fat Actress"

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) criticizes the new Showtime program "Fat Actress" for its insensitivity to eating disorders which makes a joke out of the life-threatening diseases of bulimia and binge-eating disorders.

"My guess is that Kirstie Alley's concept for the show was born from her frustrations with the unreasonable standards found in the entertainment industry, frustrations that NEDA understands because it is that unrealistic standard that often triggers an eating disorder," said Lynn Grefe, Chief Executive Officer of NEDA. "However, there is nothing funny about eating disorders, and to make comedic references to anorexia, bulimia or binge-eating disorder is dangerous."

Nearly 10 million women and 1 million men suffer from anorexia or bulimia, potentially life-threatening illnesses. It is estimated that another 25 million suffer from binge-eating disorders. Long-term physical health implications of eating disorders include heart failure, hair loss, kidney damage, serious tooth decay and osteoporosis, just to name a few.

"I would like to introduce Bob Greenblatt, President of Showtime, to some of the parents I have met who have lost their children to eating disorders," added Grefe. "To make jokes about this potentially lethal illness is as appalling as it would be to make jokes about other life threatening illnesses, such as cancer or coronary artery disease. There is no punch line for any of these individuals and families affected by the illnesses."

The National Eating Disorders Association www.nationaleatingdisorders.org)"> is the largest eating disorders prevention and advocacy organization in the world. Headquartered in Seattle, Wash., NEDA is dedicated to expanding public understanding of eating disorders and promoting access to quality treatment through a variety of programs and services, including a toll-free information and referral line (800-931-2237), distribution of educational brochures and information packets, school programs designed to teach children and teenage girls about positive body image and a Media Watchdog Program.

Distributed by Market Wire