Lisbeth Rhine, Executive Director, Eating Disorders Information Network

By Caroline Cox

Lisbeth Rhine developed an eating disorder at age 15. Though she’s been in recovery for more than 10 years now, the cause is still very close to her heart. As Executive Director of The Eating Disorders Information Network, she works everyday to aid in prevention and bring awareness to disordered eating, from anorexia to obesity.

After joining the organization as a board member in January 2010, she’s gone on to speak at schools, colleges, churches and civic associations. In addition to keeping EDIN afloat in a down economy, Rhine says she’s most proud when young people come up to her privately about their own eating disorders after hearing her speak. She says she’s living proof that poor body esteem can be conquered and a normal life can be part of their future.

PINK: What inspired you to join your organization?

Lisbeth Rhine: My relationship with ED began when I was 15. I had been studying ballet since I was five. To most people I looked “healthy.” I was 5’8 and 125 pounds. However, in the ballet world I weighed too much. My eating disorder took control, and I would go on to spend the next 15 years [with] its hold on me. My “aha” moment came when I was leaning over the toilet at 30 years old making myself throw up. I sat back on my heels, and I said, “Aren’t you tired of obsessing about your weight and hating your body?” Thankfully, I answered “yes” and sought help for the first time.

PINK: What are your goals?

LR: To expand our educational programming to schools around the country, which we are trying to do by collaborating with other nonprofits focused in the similar arenas. Another goal is to remain fiscally afloat, which can only be achieved by individual donations, community donations, grants and fundraising events.

PINK: What methods of outreach to you use?

LR: We do an elementary program, Love Your Body Week, middle school programming, The B.E.A.T. (Body Esteem Action Team) and a high school/college program, LULA (Love Ur Life Always). We also have two large fundraisers each year – Merrick”s Walk in the spring and the Celebrity Dance Challenge in the winter. Both fundraising events raise public awareness levels regarding eating disorders and poor body-esteem.