Melinda Hutchings

An inspiring role model and experienced public speaker, Melinda has often been invited to address young adults on the topic of body image at high schools and forums throughout Australia.

She chaired the Organising Committee for the Inaugural Eating Disorders Foundation Charity Fundraising Dinner 'The Fabulous Feast' in May 2003, at which she performed the role of MC. Guests included Tara Moss, Vince Sorrenti, Mark Edmondson and Mia Freedman. The event raised over $40,000 for the Eating Disorders Foundation NSW Inc.

In September 2001, Melinda organised a charity fundraiser for the launch of her second book How to Recover from Anorexia and Other Eating Disorders. Tara Moss was special guest speaker and the launch was featured on A Current Affair. Through donating the proceeds of books sold on the night, Melinda managed to raise nearly $1,000 for the Eating Disorders Foundation.

Melinda launched www.bodycage.com  in October 2000 to provide an anonymous vehicle through which to offer comfort and support. To date, bodycage has received well in excess of 400,000 hits and Melinda has responded to thousands of emails from people all over the world seeking her help and advice.

She has been featured in The Australian, Sun Herald, Dolly, Cosmopolitan, Cleo, Girlfriend, Who Weekly, Sky TV News, Time Magazine, Marie Claire, Good Health Magazine, Good Medicine, North Shore Times, Mosman Daily, Daily Telegraph, Channel 7's Sunrise and The Morning Shift, A Current Affair, SBS and several ABC Radio programs across the country.

Fighting For Life; Anorexia the Road to Recovery
 
This compelling story takes us inside the mind, heart and body of a teenage girl suffering from anorexia nervosa, a disorder which is incredibly difficult for both the victim and those close to her to understand, and very complex in its treatment.

It tells the story of 15 year old Tracy and explores the different and shocking ways in which the illness takes over her life. It details her inner struggle and personal torment as she desperately fights the powerful monster that is anorexia, and the tragic effects this has on her family environment.

The book is a fictionalised account of the author's own experiences and has been written to help people to understand the mind of the anorexic and to cope with behavioral patterns.

How to Recover from Anorexia and Other Eating Disorders

A practical step-by-step guide through the process of recovery, from the devastating illness of anorexia and related eating disorders. Anorexia nervosa is a mysterious illness and as a result there is insufficient information about recovery. This book responds to that lack, exploring the medical, clinical, psychological and emotional nature of the illness and offering practical solutions for each aspect. It contains a real life account of the author's own personal battle and eventual recovery, together with personal descriptions by her family - mother, father, two sisters and brother - of their reactions and how they coped with the serious illness of a loved one. This section in particular provides invaluable assistance for friends, family and carers.

The step-by-step process is then described in details, backed up by many case histories, with clinical psychologist Chris Thornton providing the clinical background. Essential reading for sufferers and for those who love and care about them, the book's message is one of inspiration and hope, with the end goal of full recovery and living a happy and fulfilling life.