Laura rarely eats dinner in the dining hall. Her friends watch as she fixes a small salad and a bowl of rice to take to her room. Sometimes they wonder if she even eats at all. She has lost much weight and yet complains about being "too fat." She goes for a three-mile jog every morning before class.

Brian's athletic family emphasizes thinness. In order to please his parents, he eats small meals or he takes diuretics and laxatives to shed extra pounds of water. At times, he becomes so hungry that he eats large amounts of food and then makes himself throw up so he doesn't gain weight.

Ann is unhappy. She eats when she is upset and hides so no one can see her. At times, she will drive alone in her car and eat for hours. Eating takes her mind off her problems; it is a way for her to become numb. She doesn't know how to stop.

Do these stories sound extreme to you? They may, but it is important to realize that unhealthy eating habits such as: restricting certain foods from your diet, counting fat and calories obsessively, thinking about food or exercising a lot, and not being able to enjoy food for pleasure can be just as dangerous and disruptive. If you are experiencing any of these things or know someone who is, read on because steps can be taken to address such problems.

What are eating disorders? Although they are not really about weight or food, the symptoms certainly are. Anorexia nervosa is understood as "self-starvation." It is characterized by highly restricted eating and an obsession with fat. A person with anorexia loses considerable body weight, may be depressed or moody, and consequently is highly susceptible to illnesses and colds. If untreated, anorexia can result in malnutrition or heart failure.

Bulimia is defined as a binge-and-purge cycle. A binge can be a piece of fruit or a whole package of cookies, the important characteristic is a feeling of guilt following eating. The person gets rid of the food by one of four methods: exercising, self-induced vomiting, taking diuretics or laxatives, or "balancing" out binges with periods of starvation. Bulimia leads to digestive problems, electrolyte imbalance, and sometimes death.

Compulsive overeating involves binges as well. A person may eat in response to certain emotions like anger, boredom, or feeling out of control gaining no pleasure in the food itself. A compulsive overeater usually does not purge.

"All right," you say. "I understand what eating disorders are, but why do they happen? Is it because people are unhappy with their bodies?" The answer is sometimes yes, but it is not as simple as that. Eating disorders are usually more the result of underlying factors such as low self-esteem or a need for control of feelings or events in one's life. These concerns may be manifested by the person attempting to control their food intake, weight, or exercise habits. Recovering from an eating disorder must include dealing with these issues in addition to normalizing eating and weight.

Many students know someone who may have an eating disorder but don't know how to help their friend. Ignoring the problem will not make it go away. If you feel that you are able to talk with the person, here are some helpful guidelines:

1. Don't confront the person in an accusatory manner. Instead of using statements like, "You have a problem...," use "I" statements like, "I'm worried about...."

2. Explain how the problem is affecting you. This shows the person that his/her behavior is affecting others, and also that you care.

3. If the person does not think that they have a problem, offer to listen whenever he/she needs a friend. The person will only get help when they are ready.

4. Examine your own attitudes about food and weight. Try to set a good example by avoiding negative judgments of your own body or others', and by enjoying a variety of food.

5. Don't take responsibility for curing your friend's problem: If he or she is willing, refer him/her to an RA, The Bridge (723-3392), the nutritionist at Cowell (723-1999), or Counseling and Psychological Services which is also at Cowell (723-3785).

6. In addition, the Body Image, Food, and Self-Esteem Group and Overeaters Anonymous both meet at The Bridge. Call 723-3392 for more information about them.

7. Finally, if you are struggling with a friend who may have an eating disorder be sure to take care of yourself. Talk to a friend, or if the issue may be more confidential talk to an RA or someone at The Bridge.