3562                                            JOINT RESOLUTIONS

Signed May 13, 1986.

No. 27

(House Joint Resolution No. 50)

A House Joint Resolution concerning

Eating Disorders - Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia

FOR the purpose of creating a task force to study the extent of
the existence in the State of eating disorders, especially
anorexia nervosa and bulimia, and to determine how to
recognize and treat the problem of eating disorders.

WHEREAS, Eating disorders, especially anorexia nervosa and
bulimia, affect many people in this State; and

WHEREAS, Anorexia nervosa and bulimia affects mostly young
women, usually in adolescence; and

WHEREAS, The affected person shows excessive concern about
obesity and an unrealistic sense of body image, even if lean, and
this preoccupation with body weight continues even if the
affected person becomes emaciated; and

WHEREAS, Anorexia nervosa and bulimia lead to serious, often
life threatening, loss of weight and malnutrition; and

WHEREAS, Treating anorexia nervosa and bulimia often require
psychiatric counseling, and sometimes institutionalization and
forced feeding; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the
Governor is requested to establish a task force on eating
disorders to study the extent of the existence of eating
disorders, especially anorexia nervosa and bulimia, and to
determine how to recognize and treat the problem;' and be it
further

RESOLVED That the task force on eating disorders be composed
of:

(1)  1 member of the House of Delegates, appointed by
the Speaker of the House, and 1 member of the Senate of Maryland,
appointed by the President of the Senate; and

(2)  a representative of the Department of Health and
Mental Hygiene, appointed by the Governor; and

(3)  2 representatives appointed by the Governor from
the health care community, including physicians, nurses, and