Appendix+2+Petition+against+Jenny+Craig

Retrieved from []  = Petition against Jenny Craig = JEWEL TOPSFIELD 27 Mar, 2012 02:00 AM 

A GROUP that promotes the education of girls in single-sex schools has come under fire for inviting the chief executive of dieting firm Jenny Craig to speak at its conference at Melbourne Girls Grammar.

Health experts have called on the Alliance of Girls' Schools Australasia to dump Amy Smith from the line-up of speakers at its two-yearly conference for educators on May 25-27, claiming the weight-loss industry contributed to girls' poor body image and eating disorders.

An online petition gathered 1000 people in 48 hours.

Eating disorder experts report dieting to be the biggest predictor of eating disorders, with unhealthy weight loss practices becoming the norm in schools, says the petition, posted by Lydia Jade Turner from eating disorder clinic BodyMatters Australasia.

''Global giant Jenny Craig thrives on women's body dissatisfaction and the idea that their bodies are not good enough. It beggars belief how Jenny Craig's CEO could possibly be seen as an appropriate choice for educators of young girls.''

On Sunday, the alliance removed any reference to Ms Smith's role as chief executive of Jenny Craig from her biography on its website.

Alliance executive officer Jan Butler said: In no way will Amy Smith be talking about dieting or even mentioning Jenny Craig.

Ms Turner said it was inappropriate for Ms Smith to appear as it legitimised the diet industry.  home Articles