BILL NUMBER: ACR 28	AMENDED
	BILL TEXT

	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  JUNE 1, 2009
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  APRIL 2, 2009

INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Ma
   (Coauthor: Assembly Member Fletcher)

                        FEBRUARY 19, 2009

   Relative to Eating Disorders Awareness Week.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   ACR 28, as amended, Ma. Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
   This measure would recognize the weeks of February 22 through
February 28, 2009, and February 21 through February 27, 2010, as
Eating Disorders Awareness Week and would encourage citizens and
policymakers to learn more about eating disorders and the obstacles
to treatment, and to help people overcome and prevent these
life-threatening diseases.  This measure also would urge the
State Department of Public Health to undertake specified studies
relating to eating disorders and make necessary or appropriate
recommendations for legislation. 
   Fiscal committee:  yes   no  .



   WHEREAS, Ten million women and one million men across the country
are battling illnesses such as anorexia and bulimia, and millions
more are suffering from binge eating disorder; and
   WHEREAS, An estimated 3.6 million women in California alone
struggle with an eating disorder; and
   WHEREAS, Anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive overeating are problems
that are misunderstood, stigmatized, and undertreated; and
   WHEREAS, Anorexia is the psychiatric disorder with the highest
mortality rate; and
   WHEREAS, Anorexia is linked to an 18-fold increase in the risk of
death, with up to 20 percent of sufferers dying of malnutrition
 and   or dying by  suicide; and
   WHEREAS, Eating disorders are associated with substantial
psychological problems, including depression, substance abuse, and
suicide; and
   WHEREAS, Eating disorders can lead to major medical complications,
including cardiac arrhythmia, cognitive impairment, certain cancers,
osteoporosis, infertility, kidney failure, and death; and
   WHEREAS, Eating disorders affect persons of every race, color,
gender, and socioeconomic category; and
   WHEREAS, Eating disorders are increasing among  people in
 younger age groups and affect children as young as seven years
of age; and
   WHEREAS, Media pressures and genetic, social, and familial factors
are all known to be related to eating disorders; and
   WHEREAS, Some physicians prematurely discharge patients with
anorexia nervosa due to limited opportunities to obtain
reimbursement; and
   WHEREAS, Coverage and reimbursement for eating disorders differ
among various private and public health care coverage options; and
   WHEREAS, Eating disorders are treatable when diagnosed early and
treated sufficiently; and
   WHEREAS, Eating disorders have become a significant public health
concern that should be treated no less seriously than obesity; and
   WHEREAS, The government should take a proactive role in developing
preventive education, improving access to care for all forms of
eating disorders, including binge eating and extreme dieting; and
   WHEREAS, The California Legislature is concerned with preserving
and protecting the health of the state's citizens; now, therefore, be
it
   Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate
thereof concurring, That the Legislature recognizes the weeks of
February 22 through February 28, 2009, and February 21 through
February 27, 2010, as Eating Disorders Awareness Week, and encourages
citizens and policymakers to learn more about eating disorders and
the obstacles to treatment, and to help people overcome and prevent
these life-threatening diseases; and be it further 
   Resolved, That the State Department of Public Health is urged to
undertake a study of the public health impact of eating disorders in
California, and the need for programs or policies to enhance
education, awareness, detection, and prevention of these diseases in
the general population; and be it further 
    
   Resolved, That the State Department of Public Health is urged to
undertake a study of the conditions, needs, issues, and problems
mentioned in this resolution, or related thereto, and recommend any
necessary or appropriate legislation; and be it further 

   Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of
this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.