A RESOLUTION recognizing February 26 through March 4, 2017, as Eating Disorders Awareness Week in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in conjunction with the observance of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week; and

WHEREAS, The 2017 theme of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is “It’s Time to Talk About It”, which will focus on busting myths, getting the facts about eating disorders and encouraging everyone to get screened; and

WHEREAS, Eating disorders are serious conditions that are potentially life-threatening and have a great impact on both a person's physical and emotional health; too often, signs and symptoms are overlooked, and many individuals, families, and communities are unaware of the devastating mental and physical consequences of eating disorders, as well as the pressures, attitudes, and behaviors which shape them; and

WHEREAS, In the United States, 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from clinically significant eating disorders at some time in their life; these disorders affect people across all backgrounds and include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorders; and

WHEREAS, The National Eating Disorders Association strives to address the many misconceptions regarding eating disorders, and to highlight the availability of resources for treatment and support; and

WHEREAS, National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a collaborative effort consisting primarily of volunteers, including eating disorder professionals, health care providers, students, educators, social workers, and individuals committed to raising awareness of the dangers surrounding eating disorders and the need for early intervention and treatment access; and

WHEREAS, Eating Disorders usually appear in adolescence and are associated with substantial psychological problems, including depression, substance abuse and suicide; they are serious illnesses, not lifestyle choices; in fact, anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness; and

WHEREAS, Many cases of eating disorders go undetected; less than one-third of youth with eating disorders will receive treatment; and

WHEREAS, Eating disorders experts have found that prompt intensive treatment significantly improves the chances of recovery; therefore, it is important for educators, medical providers, parents, and community members to be aware of the warning signs and the symptoms of eating disorders; and

WHEREAS, National Eating Disorders Awareness Week will highlight the importance of screenings for the early detection and intervention of eating disorders and bust myths and present eating disorders as a public health issue, with close connections to substance abuse, trauma, obesity, and other mental health conditions, such as depressions, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); and

WHEREAS, the Massachusetts Legislature recognizes the vital work of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week in promoting public and media attention to the seriousness of eating disorders and for working to improve education about their biological and environmental causes, as well as how to help those who are struggling with these debilitating diseases; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Massachusetts Legislature pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Charlie Baker to proclaim February 26 to March 4, 2017, as Eating Disorders Awareness Week in the State of Massachusetts; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Charlie Baker, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and The National Eating Disorders Association.