National Eating Disorders Association Tells Tong, 'Anorexia is No Joke.'

LOS ANGELES, CA, January 13, 2011

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is speaking out about ex-Big Brother contestant Kenneth Tong's confession that his controversial comments on Twitter about anorexia were a hoax to garner media attention.

Tong - who is now apologizing for his behavior - has been distributing seriously disturbing and controversial statements through the online social network encouraging all women to become a size zero.

Commented Lynn Grefe, CEO of NEDA, "Anorexia, bulimia or any other eating disorder is not fodder for a joke. It's a tragedy that anyone in the public eye would use their position to exploit others for personal gain. Eating disorders are life-threatening and the ongoing damage caused to those susceptible by Tong's irresponsible campaign is immeasurable. We must all take responsibility for changing our culture to do no harm. Mr. Tong, we are not laughing, nor are the families who have lost a loved one to the illness.

"It's time to talk about it," continued Grefe. "Today's pressure cooker of 'the thin ideal' versus obesity is creating our own kind of body mass confusion. Speaking out is more critical now than ever before. We should be measured by the size of our hearts, not our hips. Together, as a society, we should focus on health instead of size."

The 24th annual National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is Feb. 20-26 and NEDA is once again waging war in communities across the country against eating disorders (EDs) and unrealistic "body-perfect" ideals - as well as fighting for more research, support and access to treatment for these life-threatening illnesses.

For how to participate, events in your area or more information: http://www.NationalEatingDisorders.org

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), headquartered in Seattle, Wash., is the leading U.S. non-profit organization supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDA serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care. Each year, NEDA helps millions of people across the country find information and appropriate treatment resources through its toll-free live helpline, its many outreach programs and website. NEDA advocates for advancements in the field and envisions a world without eating disorders.

Contacts:

Greenleaf & Associates - 323-660-5800
Vicki Greenleaf — vicki@greenleafandassociates.com
Karen Brundage — karen@greenleafandassociates.com

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