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Week aims to educate on eating disorder dangers

In recognition of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, which begins Feb. 5, the University's Eating Issues Network is planning discussions and workshops to educate students on the symptoms and dangers of eating disorders.

A network of University doctors, nutritionists and psychologists was created in 1994 to improve treatment for eating disorders. The organization will conduct free health screenings next week.

Featuring topics such as "Getting Better: What to Expect From Treatment for an Eating Disorder," and "Body Image in an Unaccepting Culture," the organization aims to inform students about the dangers of eating disorders through question and answer sessions.

Laurie Fortlage, a University Health Service peer advising coordinator, said the week will try to "raise awareness of physical and emotional effects of eating disorders, what can be done, and how to help a friend with an eating disorder."

Marcella Raimondo, spokesperson for Eating Disorders Awareness Week, encouraged students to understand eating disorders.

"It is important for people to realize that eating disorders are not weird and people should not be afraid of them," she said.

The program will also try to reach students in residence halls. Housing Nutritionist Paula Herzog will lead small group discussions and post information on bulletin boards and in residence hall libraries.

Herzog will be promoting an "interactive nutrition station," which will be available to students in all dining halls. Students can use a laptop computer to determine individual metabolism and the efficiency of one's diet.

Kim Resnick, an LSA first-year student, said she knows many girls with eating disorders. "Girls need to be secure with themselves. They need to eat healthy and exercise, but know they can put food in their bodies and still look good," she said.

Herzog said she hopes to facilitate referrals and help people who do not have eating disorders to prevent what she calls a "contagious" disease. She said people pick up eating habits from their peers, so eating disorders can easily spread among friends.

Inability to communicate feelings effectively, low self-esteem and societal expectations of physical shape are just some of the contributing factors in the development of eating disorders.

Herzog said the University needs to be concerned about eating disorders because of the age of students.

"Eating disorders most commonly develop at the start of puberty or during transitions," Herzog said. Leaving home for the first time causes stress for most first-year students, putting them at risk for developing an eating disorder.

Janette Luu, an LSA sophomore, said she noticed changes in eating habits during sorority rush. "Girls were very concerned with their appearances because it was stressed so much," she said.

Recognizing eating disorders is not only a women's issue -- the organization will sponsor "A Discussion for Men: The Battle With Your Body," led by School of Social Work graduate student Michael Del Negro.

Physical effects of eating disorders include loss of muscle, decreased heart and organ size, poor functioning of the stomach and intestinal tract, and an increased risk for osteoporosis.

Fortlage said the psychological effects are a "vicious cycle."