Statement of Representative Louise M. Slaughter at the APA Co-Sponsored Congressional Briefing

Thank you all for taking the time today to attend this important briefing, 'Dying to Be Thin: The Prevention of Eating Disorders and Role of Federal Policy.' I regret I could not be with you due to a death in my family, but I know this will be an educational and informative event.

In our nation today, eating disorders have become a health crisis--and particularly a women's health crisis. The cult of thinness claims 10 times more women than men as its victims. What can we do to stem this growing public health threat?

It is a proven fact that eating disorders rise in direct proportion with dieting. Dieting has become so widespread in our nation that it is almost the norm. It seems like everyone is either on a diet, about to start a new diet, or just giving up on one. Some of you may have seen last week's article in The Washington Post about eating disorders in Argentina, where societal pressure to be thin is similarly driving hundreds of young people to starve themselves.

Rates of anorexia nervosa in our nation are estimated around 8.1 per 100,000 people. Almost 12 of every 100,000 Americans suffer from bulimia.

These are tragic statistics. Congress can and must do something to halt this destructive epidemic. In investigating this issue, I learned that there are a few or no good sources of reliable, scientific information for families and individuals struggling with eating disorders.

Therefore, Rep. Nita Lowey and I have introduced H.R. 2006, the Eating Disorders Information and Education Act. This bill would establish a toll-free hotline and information clearinghouse on eating disorders in the Department of Health and Human Services. Families would know that if they call this number, they could receive solid information about preventing, diagnosing, and treating eating disorders. Our offices have been working closely with the Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Subcommittee to include this language in the upcoming appropriations report. I hope this bill can offer a first ray of hope for people with eating disorders. They do not need to suffer. There is help.

I would like to offer my special thanks to the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues and American Psychological Association for sponsoring this event. I am also grateful to the distinguished panel that has come here today to share their expertise. Once again, thank you for attending. I look forward to working with you to end eating disorders in our society.

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