WHEREAS, In the United States, as many as 10 million women and 1 million men are fighting a life and death battle with an eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia; and
     WHEREAS, Ninety-five percent of those with eating disorders are between the ages of 12 and 25; and
     WHEREAS, For young women from 15 to 24 years old, the mortality rate associated with anorexia nervosa is twelve times higher than the death rate of all other causes of death; and
     WHEREAS, Approximately 1 out of 100 adolescent girls develop anorexia nervosa, and 2 to 5 out of every 100 adolescent girls develop bulimia; and
     WHEREAS, Fifteen to twenty percent of girls in 8th, 10th, and 12th grade report engaging in risky dieting behavior in the past month, including fasting, using diet pills or powders without a doctor's prescription, vomiting, or taking laxatives to lose weight; and
     WHEREAS, Fortunately, eating disorders can be treated; however, early intervention is the key; and
     WHEREAS, Public awareness about the incidence and severity of eating disorders must be increased to support those affected and promote continued research of cause and treatment;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives support those affected by eating disorders by observing February 26th to March 4th as Eating Disorder Awareness Week as declared by Governor Christine Gregoire; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the Honorable Christine Gregoire.