EATING DISORDERS AWARENESS WEEK

Early day motion 708, tabled 5 February 2009 by Mark Hunter (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 78 members.

That this House welcomes Eating Disorders Awareness Week from 23 to 28 February as a way to draw attention to the need to help the million plus people estimated as suffering from eating disorders in the UK, 90 per cent. of whom are female; calls on the fashion industry to take a stand and stop the use of size zero models who undermine the confidence of young women and give them unreal perceptions of what size is normal and desirable; is shocked that NHS hospitals are having to treat children under 10 years for eating disorders; condemns the pro-anorexia and pro-bulimia websites that masquerade as self-help sites but actually encourage vulnerable young people to hide their disorder from friends and family, fuel their mental illness by falsely promoting it as a lifestyle choice and provide tips on how to continue harming themselves; and calls on internet service providers to regulate these sites and the Government to provide more support for those affected by eating disorders and their families.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 41, Labour 24, Conservative 5, DUP 4, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1.