THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY F. KELLER, SCAVELLO, BRENNAN, R. BROWN, DiGIROLAMO, GEORGE, HAHN, KORTZ, MILLARD, READSHAW AND CULVER, OCTOBER 6, 2011

INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, OCTOBER 6, 2011  

A RESOLUTION

Supporting the goals and ideals of the National Eating Disorders

Association.

WHEREAS, An estimated 5 million to 10 million people in the

United States suffer from eating disorders, including anorexia

nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder; and

WHEREAS, Eating disorders are more common among women,

although an increasing number of men also suffer from these

disorders; and

WHEREAS, At least 0.5% of adolescent and adult females in the

United States will suffer from anorexia nervosa in their

lifetime; and

WHEREAS, At least 1.1% of adolescent and adult females will

suffer from bulimia nervosa in their lifetime; and

WHEREAS, An estimated 2% to 5% of all persons experience

binge eating disorder in any given six-month period; and

WHEREAS, Eating disorders are associated with serious

physical health consequences, including irregular heartbeat,

heart disease and heart failure, kidney failure, osteoporosis,

gastric rupture, peptic ulcer, tooth decay, obesity, gall

bladder disease, diabetes and death; and

WHEREAS, Eating disorders are associated with substantial

psychological problems, including depression, substance abuse

and suicide, with anorexia nervosa having the highest premature

mortality rate; and

WHEREAS, Shame, guilt and misunderstanding often afflict a

person who suffers from an eating disorder, thus preventing

treatment; and

WHEREAS, The goals and ideals of the National Eating

Disorders Association and its member organizations are to

increase public awareness of eating disorders and to promote

healthful eating habits and a healthy body image; therefore be

it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives support the goals

and ideals of the National Eating Disorders Association to

increase public awareness and expand access to appropriate and

effective treatment of eating disorders.