Eating disorder survivor and recovery mentor to speak at Iowa State Feb. 29

02-22-12

Contacts:

Pat Miller, Lectures Program, 515-294-9935, pamiller@iastate.edu

Teddi Barron, News Service, 515-294-4778, tbarron@iastate.edu

Eating disorder survivor and recovery mentor to speak at Iowa State Feb. 29

AMES, Iowa -- After battling anorexia and bulimia for 15 years, Shannon Cutts has become an internationally known advocate for the value of mentoring in the eating disorder recovery process. She will present a talk at Iowa State University, "Beauty Undressed," at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 29, in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union. It is free and open to the public.

Cutts is the founder of MentorCONNECT, the first global eating disorders mentoring organization, which serves more than 2,000 members in 15 countries. MentorCONNECT partners individuals struggling with eating disorders with those who have recovered. Her message is that "relationships replace eating disorder."

During her presentation, Cutts will talk about her experience as a mentor to women who have struggled to find support and understanding in their daily lives following treatment for an eating disorder.

Cutts is the author of "Beating Ana: How to Outsmart Your Eating Disorder and Take Your Life Back." Cutts also is a popular lecturer and a frequent contributor to The Huffington Post, PyschCentral.com and Eating Disorders Recovery Today. Most recently, her work has been profiled in Glamour and Woman's Day.

"Beauty Undressed" is part of Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2012, presented by the Eating Disorder Coalition of Iowa (EDCI). EDCI is a centralized network organization for prevention, resource information, treatment referrals and support for those struggling with eating disorders and their families and friends. The week includes educational seminars and an Eating Disorders Awareness Walk, all in Waukee on March 3. More information is available online at edciowa.org.

Cutts' lecture is cosponsored by the Division of Student Affairs, Student Counseling Services, Graduate Students of Clinical Psychology, Inter-Residence Hall Association, Collegiate Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council, Student Athletic Affairs, the Eating Disorder Coalition of Iowa, and the Committee on Lectures, which is funded by the Government of the Student Body. More information on ISU lectures is available at http://www.lectures.iastate.edu, or by calling 515-294-9935.

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