| Eating disorders are illnesses
with a biological basis modified and influenced by emotional and
cultural factors. The stigma associated with eating disorders has
long kept individuals suffering in silence, inhibited funding for
crucial research and created barriers to treatment. Because of
insufficient information, the public and professionals fail to
recognize the dangerous consequences of eating disorders. While
eating disorders are serious, potentially life threatening
illnesses, there is help available and recovery is possible.
In response to the recent media
coverage surrounding Terri Schiavo and the lack of acknowledgement
that her tragic condition was reportedly brought about by an eating
disorder, the National Eating Disorders Association commissioned
GMI, Inc. to conduct a poll
in an effort to gauge the American public's opinion on eating
disorders.
The poll - conducted March 23-24,
2005 with a Nationwide sample of 1,500 adults - showed that:
- 96% of Americans believe
eating disorders are serious illnesses
- 81% believe eating disorders can
be successfully treated
- 76% believe that eating
disorders should be covered by insurance companies just like any
other illness.
Complete survey results can be
found online at
http://www.gmipoll.com/docs/NEDA_Briefing.pdf
The poll shows that the public
agrees not only are eating disorders serious illnesses, but that
they also deserve - and demand - treatment and adequate insurance
coverage. |
