(PRLEAP.COM) The Art Institute of Tampa and Argosy University Tampa held a photography exhibit to support National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAW) today. The exhibit comprised multi - generational photographs of families wearing jeans and included their unique individual messages about body image and physical traits. The photographs make a strength – based statement by focusing on counter – messages that promote resiliency. According to Dr. Madeline Altabe, Associate Professor of Psychology, Argosy University Tampa, “This exhibit represents the third annual joint effort of Argosy University and The Art Institute of Tampa. We are in the second year of collaboration with our community partner, the Ophelia Project of Tampa.”

The key message for National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2007 is “Be comfortable in your genes. Wear jeans that fit the real you.” NEDAW in its 20th year will highlight the fact that body size and shape are strongly influenced by biological factors such as genetics, while also calling attention to some of the new discoveries surrounding the role of genetics in the development of eating disorders. Dr. Melanie Storms, Campus President for Argosy University/Tampa, states, “This exhibit is an exciting opportunity to bring the fields of art and psychology together in a celebration of the beauty in everyone”.

While the NEDAW 2007 key message focuses on helping individuals feel at ease with their natural size, the use of the word ‘genes’ within the message also provides a foundation for addressing the fact that eating disorders are serious illnesses not choices. Commented Lynn Grefe, CEO of NEDA. “NEDA activists across the country are reaching out during NEDA’s 20th annual National Eating Disorders Awareness Week to increase public awareness of these potentially life-threatening illnesses. We want people to know that help is available and recovery is possible.” NEDAW is the nation’s largest eating disorders outreach effort. During NEDAW, activists across the country partner with NEDA to bring awareness to the seriousness of eating disorders and urge people to Be Comfortable In Your Genes. Wear Jeans That Fit the REAL You. The theme for NEDAW highlights the fact that body size and shape are strongly influenced by biological factors and calls attention to the new discoveries surrounding the role of genetics in the development of eating disorders.


Too often individuals struggle against their natural genetically influenced size just to fit into that pair of “skinny jeans.” According to Nicole Stokes, Girls Program Specialist, The Ophelia Project, “Our girls say that it is hard to have a positive image of their bodies when there is so much media pressure to look a certain way.”

According to research, eating is controlled by many factors, including appetite, family, peer, and cultural practices and attempts at voluntary control. Eating disorders frequently develop during adolescence or early adulthood but research indicates their onset can occur during childhood or later in adulthood. It is estimated that 8 million Americans have an eating disorder, seven million women and one million men. A study by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders reported that 5 – 10% of anorexics die within ten years after contracting the disease. Further, the mortality rate associated with anorexia nervosa is 12 times higher than the death rate of all causes of death for females between 15 – 24 years old. Ninety five percent of those who have eating disorders are between the ages of 12 and 25.

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), headquartered in Seattle, Wash., is a not-for-profit organization advocating prevention, treatment and research funding for eating disorders; expanding public education and awareness; promoting access to quality treatment for those affected; and providing support for their loved ones. Since the inception of its Helpline in 1999, NEDA has referred more than 50,000 people to treatment and tallies more than 40 million hits annually on its Web site. NEDA’s 20th annual National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is Feb. 25 – March 3. For more information on eating disorders visit www.NationalEatingDisorders.org

The Ophelia Project – Tampa Bay was founded in 2002 to inspire an emotionally physically, and socially safe culture for all girls by promoting the best practices in gender-specific youth programs, providing community education and professional training, and coordinating community resources. For more information visit www.opheliatampa.org.

Argosy University/Tampa is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate’s degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, 1-800-621-7440, www.ncahlc.org).

The Art Institute of Tampa, one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), with 34 educational institutions located throughout North America, provides an important source of design, media arts, and culinary arts professionals.