The Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) announced today that it will launch its first annual National Weight Stigma Awareness Week, September 26-30, 2011. The objectives of this event are to build awareness of what weight stigma is, the harmful effects weight stigma can have on people of all ages in all environments, and what can be done to stop it.

“Whether it is children being teased and bullied in school because of their weight, adults being discriminated against in the work place, or patients being shamed in a physician’s office, weight stigma insidiously affects a variety of people.” says Chevese Turner, CEO of the Binge Eating Disorder Association. “We want to raise awareness around weight stigma and how a focus on weight rather than health and placing a higher value on “thin” can, in fact, have a negative effect on the physical and mental health of a person-of-size-especially those who have or are predisposed to eating disorders.”

As the “war on obesity” rages on and the $60 billion weight loss industry continues to grow, paradoxically, rates of obesity are not decreasing and eating disorders are rapidly increasing.

Afflicting more women than breast cancer, eating disorders have the highest rate of mortality of all mental illnesses. They are complex disorders triggered by environmental factors, and studies have shown weight stigma plays a significant role. Several studies conducted by The Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity at Yale University have found that more frequent exposure to stigma was related to more attempts to cope with maladaptive eating practices and higher BMI.

“Weight stigmatization is widespread in our society and affects individuals in multiple domains of life, often on a daily basis,” says Rebecca M. Puhl, Ph.D, Director of Research and Weight Stigma Initiatives at the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity at Yale University. “We know from decades of research that children and adults are targets of weight stigmatization in educational institutions, employment settings, health care facilities, the media, and even from family members and friends.This has a devastating effect on people’s quality of life, and leads to numerous consequences for emotional and physical health. Weight stigmatization is both a social injustice and a public health issue. We need to increase public awareness and societal efforts to address this problem. Otherwise, it will continue to create disparities, discrimination, and barriers to effective prevention and treatment for individuals affected by obesity.”

The call to action for BEDA’s first annual Weight Stigma Awareness Week is “Healing Myself First: Challenging Weight Stigma from the Inside Out.”

BEDA encourages individuals to participate in several activities BEDA proposes as part of Weight Stigma Awareness Week, beginning with looking within to assess personal weight biases and becoming an advocate.

Turner says, “Let’s begin by asking ourselves, ‘Did I make fun of other kids when I was a child because they were overweight?’ ‘Do I look down on myself or others because of size? Do I exclude people based on body size? Do I contribute to ‘fat talk,’ such as, ‘I need to lose 10 pounds,’ or, ‘You’re too fat to wear that,’ or, ‘You look great! Did you lose weight?’”

A recent Journal of Pediatrics study found that children are bullied 63% more if they are overweight than for any other reason. Yet statutes do not include any language around size bullying. Individuals can write letters to members of congress in support of protecting overweight children from bullying.

For more information about BEDA’s first annual Weight Stigma Awareness Week, visit www.bedaonline.com.

For more information about The Yale Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity, visit http://www.yaleruddcenter.org/.

Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) is a national organization focusing on the need to increase prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for binge eating disorder. Through education, outreach and support, and resources, BEDA is committed to facilitating awareness, quality of care, and recovery for those who live and those who work with binge eating disorder. For more information, visit www.bedaonline.com.

XOXO

Since last year I have served as the official ambassador of the Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) and joined the efforts to increase awareness around unrealistic “body-perfect” ideals, binge eating disorder and several associated conditions, including compulsive and emotional eating, and food addiction.

I’m taking part in the 2011 BEDA Giving Campaign to raise money for Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA). Please consider making a tax-deductible donation by visiting my FirstGiving page:

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/cheneselewis

About BEDA:

Since its inception in 2008 BEDA has become the foremost organization in the United States promoting national awareness of binge eating disorder, the most common of all eating disorders. The organizational mission includes advancing education exploration of state-of-the-art treatment, promoting prevention efforts, determining future research directions, as well as challenging the weight stigma and bullying that may contribute to both the etiology and difficulty in treating eating disorders.

Research tells us that 3.5 % of women and 2% of men struggle with this eating disorder which can lead to many serious health conditions including diabetes, heart conditions, exacerbation of co-morbid mental disorders. Eating disorders are known to have the highest death rate of any other mental illness and for many, treatment only comes when the condition becomes chronic and very difficult to treat. Proper treatment and prevention efforts are critical to BED intervention. Education to promote healthy body image and normalized eating patterns, challenges to weight stigma and “shame campaigns,” and advances in treatment are all making strides to address this all too pervasive problem.

BEDA needs your help to do its crucial work and has established suggested giving levels where you will be recognized through its website and various other publications throughout the year. You can also choose to remain anonymous.

∙ President’s Circle – 25K
∙ Ambassador – 10K
∙ Activist – $5,000
∙ Benefactor – $1,000
∙ Patron – $500
∙ Donor – $250
∙ Supporter – $100
∙ Friend – $50

Please join me in supporting BEDA in its efforts to continue its work and expand to improve services in the following areas for 2011:

* Monitored toll-free hotline

* Web site upgrade to build an online community and provide additional support & resources

* Regional teaching days for professionals

* Launch of its “National Weight Bias Awarness Week” on September 26-30, 2011.

* Continuing education for policy makers, legislators, patient and medical groups, and obesity organizations, on behalf of those with BED.

BE ASSURRED that your contributions WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE to those who suffer today. Where there is help, there is hope.

Thank you in advance for your support and don’t forget to forward this to anyone you think may be interested in supporting BEDA!

XOXO

I’m so excited about the upcoming Binge Eating Disorder Association Annual Conference coming up March 31-April 2nd in Scottsdale, AZ! I will be there as spokesperson participating in all of the weekends festivities and want to make all of my friends and associates aware of the great sponsorship opportunities available! Please note The exhibits are sold out, as are the bags and lanyards.For more information about the conference visit: http://www.bedaonline.com/2011conference/

XOXO

Last year I became the official ambassador for the Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) and I am so excited about the National Conference coming up! This March the BEDA Conference will be held in Scottsdale, AZ at the Firesky Resort & Spa, which from the pictures looks like PARADISE! I’ve never attended a conference at such a luxurious location as this and I’m looking forward to not only learning more about binge eating disorder and making new friends, but partaking in some of the spa amenities as well, if I have time! This conference is going to be great and I am so happy I can be a part of it!

During the weekend I will be very active throughout the conference, I am scheduled to start the weekend of festivities off with the Conference Welcome and Introductions, be a panelist on the No More Silence, No More Stigma! How Telling Our Stories Can Help Others panel discussion, and I will moderate the Eating Disorders, Weight Bias, Low Self-Esteem, Bullying and “The War on Obesity:” Where Do We Go From Here? panel discussion.

Early bird registration ends February 25th, so register now for the discounted rate!

For more information about BEDA, the complete conference schedule, and registration visit www.bedaonline.com

I hope to see you there!

XOXO

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Save the date for this “must attend” conference. Topics will include the latest research, clinical treatment tools, nutritional counseling, co-morbid conditions, children/adolescents, obesity, food addiction, recovery, family support, advocacy, the “war on obesity”, health-at-every-size, mentoring, status of BED and the DSM-V, and much more.

•Keynote Speakers: Jess Weiner and B. Timothy Walsh, MD.

•Experts on BED, obesity, food addiction, advocacy, and families

•Pre-Conference Learning Session: “An Internal Family Systems Approach to Binge Eating Disorder”

•Tracks for individuals, family members, and treatment professionals

2010 began with Chenese as the newly elected President of the Hollywood Chapter of the National Organization for Women (Hollywood NOW) and she participated as a panelist at the Social Justice Summit at California State University, Fullerton.

PLUS Model Radio celebrated its second anniversary and continues to be the #1 podcast for plus size women! A few of the notable guests in 2010 included MTV’s Twitter Jockey Gabi Gregg, Kim Coles, and top plus models such as Ashley Graham, Julie Henderson, Lizzie Miller, and Joanne Borgella. Leading plus size retailers broke exclusive news first on PLUS Model Radio including Lane Bryant’s participation in “Fashion Night Out” by their Director of Business Management Kathleen Quickert, and Torrid’s Marketing Representative Becky Meza announced Torrid’s first model search in Puerto Rico! Chenese took PLUS Model Radio on the road for the first time to the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans where she interviewed some of the biggest names in entertainment including Gladys Knight, Sherri Shepard, MC Lyte, Kirk Franklin and many more!

Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) announced Chenese the official spokesperson, joining the effort to increase awareness around unrealistic “body-perfect” ideals, binge eating disorder and several associated conditions, including compulsive and emotional eating, and food addiction. As BEDA’s spokesperson Chenese serves as a positive role model for the members, help to bring awareness to the organization, and help to educate the public about the disorder.

Chenese graced the covers of Daily Venus Diva Magazine who called her “a key individual in the plus community” and Gemini Magazine who referred to her as “A Positive Power House”. She broke plus industry size barriers with PLUS Model Magazine by modeling for a Valentine’s Day editorial featuring Cacique Intimates lingerie by Lane Bryant. Ms Lewis ripped the runway in a celebrity fashion show for charity, Celebrity Catwalk, which raises funds and awareness for the National Animal Rescue.

Along with Reah Norman and Marlene Hoffman, Chenese produced Curvy Network, a plus size industry networking event held in Los Angeles. This year Ms Lewis was sought out to be a celebrity host and consultant for numerous events for plus size women across the country, in cities including Hollywood, Las Vegas, Dallas, and New Orleans. She also moderated “The State of the Curvy Community” panel discussion at Full Figured Fashion Week(end)™ Los Angeles.

Chenese Lewis Productions, LLC was a recipient of the Vertical Response 500 Award for being one of the top 500 small businesses recognized for high customer engagement rates in email marketing. Chenese’s blog was recognized as one of the Top 40 Plus Size Fashion Blogs on the web in 2010 by HalloweenCostumes.net

This year marked the 5th anniversary of Hollywood NOW’s Love Your Body Day. America’s Next Top Model Whitney Thompson severed as the celebrity host of this year’s festivities and helped create a major media buzz surrounding the event due to the Love Your Body campaign, where she and Chenese posed nude together. The photographs were featured in top entertainment blogs including CBS News, People Magazine, AOL Stylelist, NY Daily News, Perez Hilton, iVillage, as well as internationally in numerous blogs around the world. In addition the ladies were featured on television shows such as E! News and EXTRA.

Following the buzz created by posing nude for the Hollywood NOW Love Your Body campaign, Chenese cross promoted the Love Your Body campaign with the NOH8 Campaign by posing for a NOH8 photo with celebrity photographer Adam Bouska. Chenese was interviewed about the photoshoot for the National Examiner, which made the front page!

The 2010 Love Your Body campaign gained international attention and magnified her role as a leading positive body image advocate, this year Chenese was a quoted expert in USA Today, The National Examiner, and Northwestern University’s Medill Reports. She was also asked to sit on the Celebrity Board of the non-profit organization Fed Up, Inc.

Chenese ended the year on a festive note by appearing in Mariah Carey’s “Oh Santa” music video and commercial for Mariah’s new fragrance Lollipop Bling!

Exciting things are already scheduled for 2011, make sure you visit www.cheneselewis.com to stay up to date!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Chevese Turner
Chevese.turner@bedaonline.com
(410)570-9577

Plus Size Beauty Queen Becomes Spokesperson for Binge Eating Disorder Association

Plus Size Beauty Queen, Chenese Lewis Joins BEDA’s Mission to Promote Positive Body Image and Awareness of Binge Eating Disorder

(Severna Park, MD) July 27, 2010 -The Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) announced today that Chenese Lewis has become an official ambassador, joining the effort to increase awareness around unrealistic “body-perfect” ideals, binge eating disorder and several associated conditions, including compulsive and emotional eating, and food addiction. Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States affecting 3.5% of females and 2% of males. One in every 35 U.S. adults has the disorder and its prevalence amongst those seeking weight loss treatments, including bariatric surgery is up to 50%.

Chenese Lewis is a positive body image and self esteem advocate who made history by being the first woman crowned Miss Plus America in 2003. She is the current president of the Hollywood chapter of the National Organization for Women and creator of Hollywood NOW’s “Love Your Body Day”, an annual event where women of all sizes come together to promote positive body image. As a keynote speaker she lectures at national workshops, seminars, and universities around the country including the University of California, Davis “Celebrate Your Body Week” and is the host of PLUS Model Radio, the #1 podcast for plus size women. Her unique story and prestigious career have been featured by countless media outlets such as Dr. Phil, The Insider, and Figure Magazine.

“BEDA’s members are struggling with humiliation and embarrassment around their weight or are dangerously restricting food intake after bingeing in order to maintain a weight they deem suitable. BEDA is creating a community to support recovery and acceptance in a manner that is safe, builds self-esteem and tears down the walls of shame” states Chevese Turner, BEDA founder and chief executive officer. “

The Association is also taking the issue of “weight-bias” head on. With an increasing focus on the overweight and obese, it is well documented that weight-related bullying and discrimination is on the rise. According to studies done by Yale’s Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, individuals who experience weight-bias (i.e bullying, teasing, and discrimination) are more likely to turn to food for comfort rather than diet. “This is critical information as a link has been made between the internalization of weight stigmatization and binge eating” Turner states. “Fortunately, the message that Ms. Lewis promotes of self esteem, loving your body, and promoting a broader definition of beauty is exactly the kind of role model our members need and we are thrilled to have her on board.”

Ms. Lewis will participate in the BEDA 2011 National Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, March 31-April 2, 2011, at the Firesky Resort and Spa. BEDA’s conference will provide professionals who treat binge eating disorder and its associated conditions with the opportunity to network, expand their knowledge base and augment their treatment repertoire. It will also provide a track for individuals with binge eating disorder, compulsive and emotional eating, and food addiction. This track will welcome families and friends, and will promote BEDA’s efforts to build a community for those seeking recovery and support.

Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) is a national organization focusing on the need to increase prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for binge eating disorder. BEDA is committed to facilitating awareness, high quality of care, and recovery for those who live and those who work with binge eating disorder through outreach and support, education, and resources. For more information visit www.bedaonline.com.

To learn more about Chenese Lewis visit www.cheneselewis.com

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