Congressional Briefing

The Eating Disorders Coalition is hosting a
Congressional Briefing in cooperation with
Congressman David Price (D-NC)

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
February 24-March 1

February 27

Eating Disorders: Fighting Stigma with Science

Three dynamic speakers will fight eating disorder stigma with science during a briefing at the Capitol on Feb. 27. Writer Aimee Liu, researcher and psychologist Cynthia Bulik, PhD, FAED, and Ron George will talk about the realities of eating disorders and the simple policy changes that can save lives and reduce healthcare costs.

Aimee Liu
novelist and
non-fiction author

Ron George
father of Leslie Anne George

Cynthia Bulik, PhD, FAED,
researcher and psychologist

Aimee Liu's most recent book is GAINING: THE TRUTH ABOUT LIFE AFTER EATING DISORDERS, in part a sequel to Liu's first book, SOLITAIRE, America's first anorexia memoir. Revisiting the questions of what really causes eating disorders and what it takes to fully recover, Liu interviewed leading researchers and more than 40 other women and men with histories of eating disorders.

Bulik will present an up-to-date and user-friendly primer on genetic research while detailing the progression of our understanding of the role that genes and environment play in eating disorders risk. She will also discuss the impact of genetic research on patients, families, and therapists and her thoughts about the role of genetic findings for future prevention, detection, and treatment interventions.

Bulik says, "Less than a decade ago, eating disorders were commonly viewed as disorders of choice fueled by the cultural thin ideal. Today, through global cooperation, we are working toward identifying the genes that influence anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Eating disorders provide vibrant examples of how both genes and environment influence risk."

To demonstrate some of the shortcomings of current healthcare systems, Ron George, the father of Leslie Anne George, will describe his daughter's struggle with eating disorders and the medical and insurance decisions that contributed to her death in a Virginia hospital in 2000.

EDC Executive Director Marc Lerro said, "This will be an incredible opportunity for the DC area. Health policy experts from government and national non-profits will be there." 

Bulik is vice president of the Eating Disorders Coalition and past president of the Academy for Eating Disorders. Bulik is the director of the University of North Carolina Eating Disorders Program, a comprehensive treatment program for individuals with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and related eating disorders. Her current research focuses on genetic and environmental factors that influence risk for eating disorders.

The 60-minute briefing is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and filling quickly. Reservations are required. Details will be e-mailed to those who register.

Feb. 27, 11 a.m.
Cannon House Office Building Rm 121
(Capitol South Metro Station)