SOURCE: National Eating Disorders Association

 

SEATTLE, WA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- March 31, 2005 -- The National Eating Disorders Association today responded to reports that the potassium deficiency which triggered Terri Schiavo's cardiac arrest and resulted in her present condition was the result of an eating disorder.

"Eating disorders can be silent killers that too often go unnoticed," said Lynn Grefe, chief executive officer of NEDA. "If a silver lining can be found in the tragedy of Schiavo's case, it is that her situation brought to light the serious ramifications of an eating disorder, and we can assure you that this is not an isolated case."

The National Eating Disorders Association estimates that nearly 10 million women and one million men are affected by anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, and another 25 million suffer from binge eating disorder. Other medical complications that can arise from eating disorders include osteoporosis, kidney problems, digestive problems, heart failure, reproductive problems and suicide.

Grefe continues, "Anorexia Nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, yet eating disorders are barely covered by medical insurance. This case should be a wake up call to our nation to insist that insurance companies provide adequate coverage for eating disorders as they do other illnesses. Eating Disorders, although serious, are not lifestyle choices, and are treatable."

According to a recent poll conducted and just released by GMI, Inc., most Americans agree eating disorders are serious illnesses that should be covered by insurance:

-- 76 % of  respondents believe that eating disorder illnesses should be
   covered by insurance like any other illness;
-- 66% of respondents believe that the government should require insurance
   companies to cover treatment of eating disorders;
    -- 80 % of those respondents believe that elected officials at the
       state and federal level should make that happen;
-- 96 % of respondents believe eating disorders are serious illnesses;
-- 81 % of respondents believe treatment can be successful.