NTL MEDIA ALERT  

Less than a third of Australians with lived experience of anorexia nervosa under medical care: release of interim study findings

 Tomorrow (Wednesday, April 27, 2016), scientists will release interim data from the world’s largest and most rigorous genetic investigation into anorexia nervosa, revealing less than a third of Australian study participants are under medical care, with fasting and exercise their most common methods of weight control.1

 Release of the interim observations will support QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute scientists’ call for volunteers either living with, or having recovered from anorexia nervosa, to enter and help complete Australian recruitment into the Anorexia Nervosa Genetics Initiative (ANGI).

 Representing the largest sample of Australians currently living with, in remission, and recovered from anorexia nervosa, the ground-breaking genetic study will help scientists to solve  the devastating mental illness, afflicting an estimated 53,000 Australians.1,2

 To learn more about the interim data and study’s overarching aim to identify the genes that predispose people to anorexia nervosa, tee up an interview with a local expert and/or an Australian with experience of the illness.

 

EXPERTS
Prof Nick Martin Australian ANGI Lead Investigator & Head of Genetic Epidemiology group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, BRISB
Dr Warren Ward                       Director of Eating Disorder Service, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, BRISB
Dr Sloane Madden Co-director of The Eating Disorder Service, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, SYD
Dr Sarah Maguire Director, Centre for Eating & Dieting Disorders, SYD
Prof Susan Sawyer Director, Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, MELB
Dr Elizabeth Hughes Research Fellow for Eating Disorders, The University of Melbourne & The Royal Children’s Hospital, MELB
Prof Tracey Wade Australian ANGI Associate Investigator & Dean, School of Psychology, Finders University, ADEL
Dr Fiona Wagg Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services, The Royal Hobart Hospital, HOB
Dr Michelle Williams Consultant Paediatrician, The Royal Hobart Hospital, HOB
 

 

EVERYDAY AUSTRALIANS

 
Emily, 24 Psychology Uni student & gym enthusiast in recovery from anorexia nervosa, BRISB
Madeline, 24                              Forensic technician, bride-to-be & ANGI participant in recovery from anorexia nervosa, BRISB
Jessica, 32 Former ballerina, mother-to-three & ANGI participant in full recovery from anorexia, SYD
Penelope, 26                            

Stephanie, 26

Jenny, 27                                   

Passionate cook & ANGI participant in recovery from anorexia nervosa, SYD

Make-up artist, opera singer & ANGI participant recovering from anorexia, SYD

Writing coordinator & ANGI participant recovering from anorexia nervosa, SYD
Lisa, 57

Rhiannon, 18

 Retired public servant & volunteer living with anorexia nervosa, ACT

Former rower, high school graduate & ANGI participant now recovered from anorexia nervosa, MELB
Amy, 29                                      Early childcare educator & new mum recovered from anorexia nervosa, MELB
Ruby, 21                                     Nursing student, ANGI participant & anorexia nervosa survivor, MELB
Arabella, 23 Personal trainer & ANGI participant in recovery from anorexia nervosa, ADEL
Riannon, 27 Business development officer & ANGI participant recovering from anorexia nervosa, ADEL
 

MEDIA KIT:

BROADCAST VISION:

MEDIA CONTACTS:  

Available for download WED, APRIL 27, 2016 from www.ANGImediakit.org

Vision avail. via satellite feed @ 9.15am AEST on WED, APRIL 27 from 7 Network (SYD) – please record & ask              

Ch 7 in your capital city to on-pass, if an affiliate                       

Kirsten Bruce, Mark Henderson, John Wanna from VIVA! Communications

0401 717 566 / 0431 465 004 / 0430 302 822

References

  1. Martin F et al. Martin et al. The Anorexia Nervosa Genetics Initiative: Study description and sample characteristics of the Australian arm. April 2016.
  2. The Butterfly Foundation – Butterfly Report: Paying the price – The economic and social impact of eating disorders in Australia, 2012, http://thebutterflyfoundation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Butterfly_Report.pdf [last accessed March 3, 2015].
  3. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 3101.0 – Australian Demographic Statistics, Jun 2012. http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/allprimarymainfeatures/33970B13F1DF7F56CA257B3B00117AA2?opendocument [last accessed March 3, 2015].

 

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