'There is no Such Thing as Size 0 (or 000),' Says the National Eating Disorders Association

Los Angeles, CA, July 9, 2014 (Newswire.com) - “Zero is not a size,” says the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) to clothing retailer J. Crew, which has taken vanity sizing and harmful marketing practices to the next level.

Commented Lynn Grefe, president and CEO of NEDA, “We are disappointed that J. Crew is competing in the race to achieve a new low in marketing which promotes poor self-esteem and dangerous weight-loss behaviors. The company’s new, 000 sizing will only triple the practice of unhealthy dieting in a society obsessed with skinny. Sadly, some of those vulnerable to eating disorders will compete to fit in this new ‘size.’ And, others will be subjected to even worse self-image challenges, because they can never achieve such an unrealistic goal naturally.

“The National Eating Disorders Association would welcome the opportunity,” Grefe continued, “to meet with J. Crew’s senior management to educate them on the damaging effect this type of marketing has on consumers, particularly our youth.” 

U.S. Statistics on Dieting Practices & Eating Disorders

20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in their life, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, or an eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS) ● Four out of 10 Americans either suffered or have known someone who has suffered from an eating disorder ● By age 6, girls especially start to express concerns about their own weight or shape ● 40-60% of elementary school girls (ages 6-12) are concerned about their weight or about becoming too fat. This concern endures through life ● 46% of nine- to 11-year-olds are “sometimes” or “very often” on diets and 82% of their families are “sometimes” or “very often” on diets ● Even among clearly non-overweight girls, over one-third report dieting ● 35% of “normal dieters” progress to pathological dieting. Of those, 20-25% progress to partial or full-syndrome eating disorders ● Over one-half of teenage girls and nearly one-third of teenage boys use unhealthy weight control behaviors such as skipping meals, fasting, smoking cigarettes, vomiting and taking laxatives ● The average American woman is 5’4” tall and weighs 165 pounds. The average Miss America winner is 5’7” and weighs 121 pounds ● Most fashion models are thinner than 98% of American women.

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), headquartered in New York City, 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.

For Treatment Referrals, Contact NEDA’s Live Helpline:  800-931-2237
Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. (EST) / Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (EST)

Contacts:       

Greenleaf & Associates — 323-660-5800