Denise Chrisman

"I know I will get no sleep tonight. There might still be food inside me. My stomach gets heavy as I think of how much I purged" - Lorel, 16, Suburb in the South, Ophelia Speaks

Facts to consider…

• 90% of all girls age 3-11 have Barbie Dolls (an unattainable, unhealthy figure) (Dietrich).
• 81% of girls age 10 and up have dieted (Dietrich).
• African American women are equally at risk for eating disorders. (Gustafson, Gustafson, Stone, Maters, and Ayers 1994).
• Women are more embarrassed about discussing weight than masturbation or having affairs. (Kinsey et all).

Bulimia: " An eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by induced vomiting, repeated up to four or more times per day. Some victims take multiple laxatives. Bulimia is difficult to treat, and there can be serious, even fatal, complications." (Every Woman's Health)

Anorexia: "A disorder of eating patterns involving severe weight loss to the point of malnutrition, cessation of menstruation, and distorted perception of the body. If not correctly diagnosed and treated effectively, this condition is fatal in about 5% of all cases. (Every Woman's Health)

Signs of Bulimia:

• Terrified of being fat
• Pale
• Cuts on knuckles
• Dental problems
• Frequent trips to the bathroom after eating
• Eating lots of food
• Laxative use
• Diuretic use

*Not all bulimics eat a lot of food. Some eat a small amount and still purge. Some may purge after a "normal meal". The issue is not the food - it is about control.

Signs of Anorexia:

• Thin
• Picks at food
• Skeletal
• Does not eat
• Excessive exercise

Overcoming an eating disorder means restoring a healthy relationship with food.

The goal of treatment is to cease the behavior of binge eating and restore appropriate behaviors. Self-esteem should be built on factors more important than body weight and shape.