A fresh outlook

Eating disorders will not cease until 'ideal' body image defeated

You know someone who is unhappy with her weight.

You know someone who feels guilty about everything she eats and counts every calorie.

You know someone who feels the societal pressures to be thin and actually acts on it.

If you know four women at the University, it is likely that you know someone who has an eating disorder. According to national statistics, one in every four college-age women have an eating disorder, such as bulimia (bingeing and purging to lose weight) and anorexia (starving oneself).

"All we can ask of you is to be aware of eating disorders and to be there for anyone you may know who may have one."

This is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, making now a perfect time to fully understand this disease and why it occurs among so many women. It also is a perfect time to realize that although this is a national problem, many women at the University also are suffering.

According to a 1996 study of students who sought services at the University's Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, 8 to 10 percent of those students had diagnosable eating disorders. This number only applies to those who seek help. Many women do not seek and receive help. Some women don't even realize they have an eating disorder.

Although most of the people affected by eating disorders are women, we cannot ignore the fact that many men are affected as well.

Everyone knows an ideal body image is present in society -- and that thin, beautiful body image is seen everywhere we look. We can complain about it all we want, but it's not going to change if we, as consumers, continue to reinforce it.

Eating disorder diseases used to be in a closeted environment, but now they are out in the open. We know the causes, we know the symptoms and we know the results. And the result is often death. Yet, with all the information we know about the disease, it still continues. All we can ask of you is to be aware of eating disorders and to be there for anyone you may know who may have one.

Think about it if you notice a friend's eating habits have changed drastically. Also, watch for other symptoms, such as extreme anxiousness, fatigue and an obsession with weight or body image.

Also, to learn more about eating disorders attend the program "Don't Weigh Your Self-Esteem" at 7 p.m. today in the HUB Gallery Lounge, which is sponsored by CAPS.

But most importantly, be there for your friend with love and support. Encourage him or her to seek help and end their disorder.