LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim February 24-March 2, 2013, as Eating Disorders Awareness Week
in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
weeks that are set aside to increase awareness of serious illnesses that
affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 24-March 2, 2013, as
Eating Disorders Awareness Week in the State of New York, in conjunction
with National Eating Disorders Awareness Week; and
WHEREAS, NEDAwareness Week is a collective effort of primary volun-
teers, including eating disorder professionals, health care providers,
students, educators, social workers, and individuals committed to rais-
ing awareness of the dangers surrounding eating disorders and the need
for early intervention and treatment; and
WHEREAS, In the United States, 20 million women and 10 million men
suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in
their life, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating
disorder, or an eating disorder not otherwise specified; and
WHEREAS, The scope and severity of eating disorders are often misun-
derstood; eating disorders are serious illnesses, not lifestyle choices;
in fact, anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness;
in a national survey, four out of 10 people reported they either
suffered or have known someone who has suffered from an eating disorder;
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 some of the warning signs and symptoms of eating
disorders; and
WHEREAS, Eating disorders impact every organ in the body, including
cognition, and can lead to organ failure and other chronic health
complications; and
WHEREAS, Eating disorders are one of the most common psychiatric diag-
noses in young women, and have the highest death rates of any mental
health condition; and
WHEREAS, Eating disorders usually appear in adolescence and are asso-
ciated with substantial psychological problems, including depression,
substance abuse and suicide; these disorders can have a negative impact
on all aspects of life, and educational efforts to prevent eating disor-
ders are of primary importance; and
WHEREAS, Eating Disorders Awareness Week will highlight the fact that
body size and shape are strongly influenced by biological factors, such
as genetics, while also calling attention to some of the new discoveries
surrounding the role of genetics in the development of eating disorders;
and
WHEREAS, In 2004 New York State took a leading role in the fight
against eating disorders by establishing an integrated network of
Comprehensive Care Centers for Eating Disorders around the state which
provide evidence-based care; this Legislative Body recognizes the impor-
tant work of these three Centers; and
WHEREAS, Many New Yorkers have been diagnosed with this disease; this
Legislative Body recognizes the vital importance of the National Eating
Disorders Association, which calls New York state its home, in providing

excellence in care through awareness, education and treatment, and its
evident commitment to this mission; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 24-March 2,
2013, as Eating Disorders Awareness Week in the State of New York; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York; the National Eating Disorders Association; and Northeastern,
Metropolitan and Western New York Comprehensive Care Centers for Eating
Disorders.