AED Position Statements

The Academy for Eating Disorders is an international transdisciplinary professional organization that promotes excellence in research, treatment and prevention of eating disorders.

AED releases statements on issues related to eating disorders on a periodic basis.

AED Statement on Body Shaming and Weight Prejudice in Public Endeavors to Reduce Obesity (January 30, 2012)

AED Position Paper: The Role of the Family in Eating Disorders (Posted Septemer 15, 2009)  
- Spanish  
- Portuguese 

AED Position Paper: Eating Disorders are Serious Mental Illnesses (Posted March 25, 2009)
- Portuguese

AED Guidelines for Childhood Obesity Prevention Programs (Posted Feb. 26, 2009)     
- Spanish
- Portuguese 

Over the past decade, various community and school-based prevention efforts have been initiated in a response to rising weights in youth. While these initiatives may be carried out with the best intentions, there is growing concern that they may in some cases contribute to negative self-esteem, body dissatisfaction and eating disordered behaviors among young people. Furthermore, there is the concern that “obesity prevention” efforts will promote or reinforce anti-fat stigma. The Academy for Eating Disorders genuinely applauds efforts to create healthier environments that support children’s health and well-being. However, it is important that such efforts be carried out with equal concern for children’s physical, social and emotional health. To minimize the risk for unintended negative consequences, the AED has constructed the following guidelines for obesity prevention programs. The guidelines are an initiative of the AED Advocacy Committee and written by Sigrun Danielsdottir, Deb Burgard and Wendy Oliver-Pyatt. It is our hope that these guidelines will prove a valuable resource for those who set out on the important mission of improving our youth’s health.

• AED Position Statement: Over-the-Counter Status of Ipecac Should Be Withdrawn
  - Portuguese
  - Spanish
  
  
• Position Statement on "Miss Bimbo" Web Site
  - Portuguese
  - Spanish
   
• Position Statement on the Fashion Industry
  - Spanish
  - Portuguese
  - Hebrew 
  
    
• Scientists, Model Call on Fashion Industry to Shape Up
  - Spanish
  - Portuguese
  
  
  
• AED Presents Guidelines for the Fashion Industry (includes translations into Dutch, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Protuguese)
  
  
   
• AED Statement on Pro-Anorexia Web Sites
  - Spanish
  - Portuguese
  
  
  
• Photo-Video Therapy Unsupported by Outcomes-Based Research
  - Spanish
  - Portuguese
  
  

Propose a Position Paper
Propose a position paper that relates to eating disorders or weight control practices, addresses an issue that may be a source of consumer confusion or may fill a professional or public need. Your proposal should be derived from an analysis of current facts, data and research literature or from clinical experience and should facilitate appropriate action by members, other professionals and the public.