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"Every Body's GORGEOUS" former anorexia sufferer wins AMA body image video competition

Saskia Moore, a 21-year-old Communications-Advertising graduate from Charles Sturt University in Bathurst, has won the $5000 prize in this year's AMA-Diners Club Public Health Community Service Announcement (CSA) video competition.

Using the theme, "Every Body's Gorgeous", contestants - all film and television students - were asked to produce a 30-second CSA to promote positive body image.

Having suffered from anorexia and bulimia for seven years, Saskia's personal experiences fuelled the emotion in her winning entry, 'Permission to Shine'. Now living in Sydney, Saskia says the competition helped her overcome the final stages of her eating disorders.

Announcing Saskia as the winner, AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, said we can all do more to help people develop greater respect for their bodies, no matter what shape or size or age.

"The average Australian today weighs more than they did 20 years ago, and yet the perceived 'ideal' body type is getting thinner and thinner, assisted by unreal images in the media, especially in advertising," Dr Phelps said.

"It is alarming that young people are dieting and expressing dissatisfaction with their bodies at an increasingly young age.

"Excessive and unsupervised dieting can lead to eating disorders which now have the third highest mortality rate for adolescents and which contribute to serious psychiatric problems.

"Doctors help by educating patients on the benefits of physical activity and healthy eating, but the community needs to do more.

"A healthier body leads to a healthier appreciation of that body," Dr Phelps said.

Saskia was presented with her $5000 award by Ms Georgie Farmer, National Manager of Government Services for Diners Club, sponsors of the competition. Saskia also has the opportunity to have her winning video played on Channel Nine.

Dr Phelps thanked Diners Club and Channel Nine for their continuing support for the competition, now in its third year.

CONTACT: Sarah Crichton (02) 6270 5472 / (0419) 440 076

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