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'Skin and Bones' Miss Universe Underscores On-Going Challenges of Eating Disorders Epidemic

Posted on: Friday, 24 April 2009, 15:25 CDT

The Renfrew Center Experts are Available for Interviews

PHILADELPHIA, April 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Stories are circulating around the globe about Australian Miss Universe contestant, Stephanie Naumoska, being dangerously malnourished. At 5'11", 108 pounds, she has a body mass index (BMI) of just 15.1, compared to the average BMI for her build, 18.5-24.9. Medical professionals and others believe that this is not only medically dangerous, but contradicts the claim that the contest promotes "healthy proportioned bodies."

Experts from The Renfrew Center, the country's leading authority on eating disorders for almost 25 years, are available to comment on this issue. The organization has treated more than 50,000 women since opening its doors in 1985 and is a partner in body image programs with the Council of Fashion Designers of America and with 2008 Miss America Kirsten Haglund.

Expert Bios:

Dr. Susan Ice -- Eating Disorders

Susan Ice, MD, Vice President and Medical Director for The Renfrew Center, received her medical degree from Johns Hopkins University and completed her medical residency at New England Medical Center and her psychiatric residency at Beth Israel Hospital. Dr. Ice has directed eating disorders program for more than 17 years. She is frequently featured in regional and national print and broadcast news outlets discussing eating disorders topics and she also lectures throughout the United States on these topics.

Adrienne Ressler -- Body Image/Obsession with Appearance

Adrienne Ressler, MA, LMSW, CEDS is National Training Director of The Renfrew Center Foundation and has been a senior staff member for over 19 years. She is a certified Eating Disorder Specialist. She is a fellow and president of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals. She frequently appears on regional and national print and broadcast news outlets discussing body image issues and the culture's obsession with appearance.

SOURCE The Renfrew Center

Source: PR Newswire

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