NEDA Partners With Body Beautiful iPhone App to Promote Positive Body Image & Self-Esteem

Feb. 23, 2012 - PRLog -- NEW YORK CITY  — Allie Marie Smith, developer of the Body Beautiful app for the iPhone and iPad, is partnering with the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) to support the organization during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAwareness Week), Feb. 26-March 3.

For every app downloaded during that time, 100% of the proceeds will go to benefit NEDA, the leading U.S.
non-profit organization supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/body-beautiful/id458240693?mt=8

“Utilizing one of the most widespread communication resources available today, this terrific, inspiring app will help us in our ongoing mission to provide support, encouragement and a positive forum for those who struggle with body image issues, an eating disorder or just want to boost their self-esteem,” says Lynn Grefe, president and CEO of NEDA.  “We are proud to work with Allie and Body Beautiful on this venture and grateful for her support.”

Adds Smith, “I’m thrilled for this unique opportunity to raise funds for NEDA's critical programs and resources with each download of the Body Beautiful app.  Our goal is to reach as many girls, women and men as possible.”

Body Beautiful was developed by Smith, who has experienced her own body image issues. “Like many girls, I believed the lie that I had to be perfect to be loved … and being perfect meant being thin,” she recalls.   She decided it was time to create a mobile tool to help others like her cultivate a healthier attitude and self-perception.

Body Beautiful, which heralds the motto “The App for True Beauty and Confidence,” is the only iPhone app that promotes positive body image and self-esteem among women and girls.  Features include Truth, a growing collection of inspirational quotes from celebrities, authors, athletes, self-esteem experts, popular songs and movies; the Body Beautiful Pledge to sign; unique Photo-Stamp option to imprint messages and help encourage others; Buzz, which streams relevant media articles and news stories; Extras, with helpful tools, guidance and links to resources; and more. All content is easily shareable through Facebook, Twitter and e-mail.

“Finally, an iPhone app that promotes positive body image and balanced eating!” says Jenni Schaefer, internationally known author and speaker, who is featured in Body Beautiful.  “Even though we all know that diets don’t work, apps related to calorie counting and the latest fad diet are becoming more and more popular. I see this as an antidote and am honored to be involved.”

Body Beautiful helps boost your confidence, fight unrealistic standards of beauty, love and appreciate your body and give it the respect it deserves.

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, Feb. 26-March 3

NEDA is launching its 25th annual National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAwareness Week), Feb. 26-March 3, in an ongoing mission to bring public attention to the critical need to raise awareness and funding to battle eating disorders in the U.S.    

During NEDAwareness Week, thousands of people come together in communities across the country, hosting events to raise awareness about body image and bring national attention to the severity of eating disorders, which are mental illnesses (not lifestyle choices) with devastating, often life-threatening, consequences. While there is hope and recovery is possible – particularly with early intervention – many people suffer from the long-term effects of these illnesses.  

Themed Everybody Knows Somebody in 2012, some of the many events planned for the week include presen-tations and health fairs in schools and on college campuses; screenings of informational films; fashion shows featuring men and women of all body types; art shows; The Great Jeans Giveaway; and NEDA Walk fundraisers.

To help promote NEDAwareness week this year, NYC’s Empire State Building will be lit in NEDA’s signature green and blue logo colors the night of Tuesday, Feb. 28, to put a spotlight on the fight against eating disorders.

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), headquartered in New York City, is the leading U.S. non-profit organization supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDA serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care. Each year, NEDA helps millions of people across the country find information and appropriate treatment resources through its toll-free, live helpline, its many outreach programs and website. NEDA advocates for advancements in the field and envisions a world without eating disorders. For more information, visit www.NationalEatingDisorders.org

For Treatment Referrals, Visit www.NationalEatingDisorders.org
Or Contact NEDA’s Live Helpline:  800-931-2237
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (EST)

Contacts:    
Greenleaf & Associates — 323-660-5800
Vicki Greenleaf — vicki@greenleafandassociates.com
Karen Brundage — karen@greenleafandassociates.com  

Body Beautiful — 805-291-2140
Allie Marie Smith — alliemariesmith@gmail.com

Available for Interviews:
• Lynn Grefe, President and CEO of NEDA.
• Allie Marie Smith, developer, the Body Beautiful iPhone app
• Doctors, psychologists & other eating disorder treatment specialists throughout the country.
• Recovered eating disorder patients.
• NEDA ambassadors.