No matter where you turn today, it seems as if people are constanly being bombarded with the "American ideal". For men, this ideal usually portrays a wealthy, inshape, incontrol individual. For women, the ideal typically shows a happy, successful,thin, beautiful, perfect, being. For a growing number of women, the internalization of this ideal can lead to body-image problems, which may develop into an eating disorder.

There are three defined eating disorders: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Compulsive Overeating.

Anorexics

often thin to the point of emaciation

afraid to gain weight

loss of menstrual periods

cold hands and feet

dry skin and hair

constipation and digestion problems

weakness of the heart muscle that can lead to death

Bulimics

average or slightly above average weight

very secretive!!

rapid weight gains and losses

severe dental problems

muscle weakness

rupturing of the esophagus

self-induced vomitting

use of laxatives

overexercising

many anorexics may also binge and purge like a bulimic

Compulsive Overeaters

usually overweight/obese

high blood pressure

eat consistently when aren't hungry

usually eat as a way to deal with emotions/situations

use food as for comfort/relaxation/soothing

sercetive and feel shameful

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What causes Eating Disorders??

There is no one identifiable determinant for the progression of an eating disorder. Rather, there seems to be a combination of a few things:personality traits, learned behaviors, and psychological issues. In general, eating disorders are seen more prevelantly in middle-class, white females who are overacievers and succeed in school. This proves to be a huge problem on college campuses, where there is competitive environement socially and academically. 5 - 10% of college students are reported to have an eating disorder.

Before a full-blown eating disorder develops, many girls show signs of "disordered eating". Disordered eating usually begins as a weight loss attempt. In 1988, Mintz and Betz reported that 61% of undergrad college women had some form of an eating behavior problem. College students live in an environment that values perfection, competition and attractiveness. Living on campus provides little exposure to environmental variables beyond campus. This is probably why there is such a high occurance of disordered eating and eating disorders among college women that isn't seen in any other population. One study indicated that 80% of girls reported that they had already been on a diet to lose weight before they were 13.

Signs of Disordered Eating

• Frequently skip meals
• Eat regularly but severly cut back
• Feel dissatisfied with body
• Think about food all the time
• Eat the same thing everyday or at every meal
• Read and discuss food ssures all the time
• Feel guilty after eating
• Are not satisfied after eating
• Plan food intake precisely
• Use laxatives and /or diuretics for the purpose of weight loss

What Can Be Done??

1. Seek Support
   1. Talk to your doctor, coounselor, or a campus health educator
   2. Break unhealthy habits
   3. Explore healthy eating options
2. Learn About Food
   1. Learn how to plan a healthy diet
   2. Learn how to read nutritional labels to maximize your nutritional intake
3. Explore Available Resources
   1. Talk to a registered dietician to help plan healthy, well-balanced meals
   2. Learn how your feelings are affected by food intake
   3. Relax around food

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How Can I help a Friend??

Warning Signs	How to Help
Gain or loss of a significant amount of weight	Emphasize her strengths and compliment her talents
Avoids social meals or snacks	Listen with an open mind; don't be judgemental
Categorizes "good" food and "bad" food	Be a good role model. Avoid commenting on your or anyone's body.
Able to rattle of the fat grams and calories in almost everything she, or those around her, eats.	Take good care of yoursekf and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Talks and seems genuinely worried about her size and shape.	Express concern for her happiness and health, rather than specific eating behaviors
Weighs herself often, maybe even once a day or more	Don't give advice; your friend may become defensive.
Exercises because she feels like she has to, rather than for enjoyment and health.	Encourage your friend to seek help. If her life is in danger, tall someone yourself!!

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