Please note that this is an Archived article and may contain content that is out of date. The use of she/her/hers pronouns in some articles is not intended to be exclusionary. Eating disorders can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights.

By: Unknown

Growing Problem of Eating Disorders is Focus of Utah Eating Disorders Awareness Week (Feb. 20-28, 1999).

Foundation for Change and Center for Change Named Inter-mountain Regional Coordinators for Annual National Observance.

February 12, 1999, Orem, Utah-Foundation For Change, a non-profit charitable foundation devoted to promoting eating disorder awareness and education, and Center for Change, an inpatient treatment facility for women with eating disorders, have together been named as Intermountain Regional Coordinators for the nationwide Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) February 20-28, 1999. The annual event will be observed in a major way with activities planned in communities across Utah.

As coordinators, the two organizations are joining with volunteers from the major college and university campuses throughout the state to focus attention on the growing problem of eating disorders among young women.

“Men and women of all ages are susceptible to eating disorders, but women between the ages of 18 – 30 are particularly prone to anorexia, bulimia and other types of eating disordered behavior,” said Randy K. Hardman, PhD, vice president of Foundation for Change. “Our plan is to focus our communications and educational activities in the areas with the highest concentration of challenges, meaning the campuses of our colleges and universities.”

Activities planned by the two organizations will focus on delivering the message of the national campaign theme, which is “How to Help a Friend.”

Included among the major activities taking place are:

Distribution of free eating disorders information from the Foundation for Change. (Call 1-888-224-8250 or visit www.edaw.org on the Internet.) Signing of an official proclamation by Governor Michael O. Leavitt, declaring February 20-28, 1999, Utah Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Confidential screening to help individuals determine if they have an eating disorder or are at risk for developing one. Found on the Internet at www.edaw.org. Awareness campaigns, body image workshops, and fairs on major college and university campuses and at the Provo Towne Centre mall. Lectures, panel discussions, and firesides featuring eating disorder experts and people recovering from eating disorders–to be held on major college and university campuses. A body image fashion show at the new Provo Towne Centre mall, featuring “average” women as models. Television, radio, and newspaper coverage of events and topics related to eating disorders. Billboards statewide.

More information about EDAW events and eating disorders can be found at www.edaw.org, or by calling 1-888-224-8250.

About Foundation for Change

Foundation for Change, based in Orem, Utah, is a 501 (c) (3) charitable foundation, established in January 1998. The Foundation is devoted to eating disorder awareness and education, and promotes involvement by individuals and organizations in researching and communicating the cause, effect, prevention, and treatment of eating disorders. The Foundation also provides financial assistance for the treatment of eating disorders and sponsors research to further understanding of the psychological, physical, emotional and spiritual elements of the healing and recovery process.

About Center for Change

Center for Change, based in Orem, Utah, provides hope and healing to women who suffer from a variety of eating disorders including anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive overeating. The Center’s inpatient and outpatient treatment methodologies focus on helping individuals understand the psychological, physical, emotional, and spiritual elements of the healing and recovery process, enabling them to return to a fulfilling and productive life. For more information about Center for Change, please call (801) 224-8255.