Counting calories, reading labels, exercising more and avoiding weight gain are examples of normal habits of a health-conscious person. But in extreme cases, these same habits may be symptoms of an eating disorder. This is true in the case of Penn State alumna Jessica Weiner.

Weiner, Class of 1995, will moderate the University Park Ensemble's performance of Body Loathing/Body Love at 7 p.m. tomorrow in the HUB-Robeson Center Auditorium. The show, written by Weiner, provides insight into the causes of eating disorders through dramatic scenes, poetry, mime and visual images.

"When I was a freshman at Penn State, I was six years into an eating disorder," she said. "It started in junior high school, but I started restricting my food intake and began exercising when I was in high school. I became what is known as an exercise bulimic."

Weiner eventually sought help at Penn State's Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and was inspired by the group meetings she attended.

"My own recovery and the stories from women in group therapy really inspired me," she said. "Nobody could have ever told me I would make a living inspiring people to change their lives. I don't want to do anything else. I'm really blessed."

Weiner said students with eating disorders should use the resources available to them on campus.

"[Counselors] are single-handedly why I am here today," she said. "They saved my life."

Ellen Nagy, University Health Services marketing manager, said students should first go to Ritenour Building to discuss their situation with a specialist.

"If a student thinks they have [an eating disorder], come in and make an appointment with a clinician," Nagy said. "CAPS has counselors with specialties in eating disorders and there are also groups that meet where they can choose to discuss it."

Linda LaSalle, community health educator for University Health Services, said there are various methods of treatment for eating disorders.

"We have different resources," she said. "CAPS would probably be the ideal first contact."

LaSalle said that students typically meet with a trained psychologist and a UHS clinician to make sure they are physically OK. Students are also referred to the Nutrition Clinic to make sure they are exercising good eating habits and are receiving proper nutrients. They can also meet
in special discussion groups with other students that have eating disorders.

LaSalle said it is beneficial for students to seek help if they believe they have an eating disorder.

"It's really important [to seek help for eating disorders] because we know they're an important health issue for college students," she said. "Unfortunately, many never actually seek help."

LaSalle said that about 150 students come to CAPS for help every year.

"There are many more who don't recognize that they have an eating disorder, or aren't ready to seek help for it," she said.

Nagy said students need to realize that they do not have to suffer with an eating disorder by themselves.

"I think it's really important for young women and men to understand that they're not alone," she said. "It's always helpful to know others have experienced it."

LaSalle recommends using a non-confrontational approach with someone who has an eating disorder.

"Say that you're concerned about their health and that it would be good for them to talk about it with someone. Use 'I' statements, rather than 'you' statements."

For example, say, "I think we should talk to someone," and not, "You need to get help." LaSalle also recommended that friends find out referral information from CAPS beforehand in order to share it with that person.

LaSalle suggested that students attend tomorrow's performance to gain a better understanding of eating disorders.

"Going to [the presentation] will help raise awareness about what they are," she said. "There's a lot of misunderstanding in culture about eating disorders. This can help dispel myths about them and students can help their friends with eating disorders."

Weiner recalls her experiences with an eating disorder in her book A Very Hungry Girl: How I Filled Up on Life ... and How You Can Too!, which is due out this fall. She is also developing a national talk show, expected to premiere in 2004.

For more information, students can contact Weiner at jessica@jessicaweiner.com or visit www.jessicaweiner.com.