NJ A4434

Requires the Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Department of Health to conduct a joint study on the causes, prevention, and reduction of disordered eating in New Jersey, with findings due within 18 months

Establishes a three-year Disordered Eating Prevention Research Grant Pilot Program within the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services to provide funding for research on root causes, risk factors, treatment barriers, and protective factors for disordered eating

Notes that 9% of New Jersey residents (over 750,000 people) will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime, with eating disorders causing approximately 10,200 deaths annually in the United States

Identifies that people of color, LGBTQ individuals, youth, and older residents face higher rates of eating disorders but lower rates of treatment, creating disparities the study must address

Requires annual reports to the Governor and Legislature summarizing grant program activities, including number of recipients, award amounts, and research summaries