by Eli Mejia
News Reporter
What is an eating disorder? "It's when a person's life is arranged around food and interferes with their everyday life," said Sherri Terrell, psychologist for the University of Houston Counseling and Testing services.
Students at UH were able to get information last week at the University Center regarding eating disorders, as well as brochures and the opportunity to quiz themselves about the topic.
Studies show that a high ratio of white females have an eating disorder, but studies show a change in the groups being diagnosed, Terrell said. "We're more aware that this can affect men and women in any social economic status," she said, and college students are no exception.
Eating disorders have been found among people who are high achievers or who are goal-oriented and want the best, she said. Individuals with low self-esteem, or who feel that their self-worth is dependent on low weight, can have a tendency to suffer from such a disorder as well.
"People think eating is the cause of their problem and become trapped in an eating pattern," said Rosemary Hughes, associate director of Counseling and Testing Services. She explained that having an eating disorder is not attributed to just one cause.
Rather, several causes can contribute to such a condition: low self-esteem, overbearing parents, an obsession with being thin, stress and fear of failure or rejection, Terrell said. Other factors include divorce in the family, death of a loved one, depression and perfectionism. "There's no one to blame here, because this is an illness," Terrell said.
"A person with an eating disorder is, first and foremost, a person, and only secondarily a person who has trouble with food," Hughes said.
There are three types of eating disorders: bulimia nervosa, where one binges and than purges with the aid of laxatives, diuretics or induced vomiting; binge eating, in which a person binges but does not purge; and anorexia nervosa, in which one excessively restricts food intake so as to remain thin. Anorexics often end up being underweight, Terrell said.
She added that each individual is different and that determines where one should draw the line. "It has to affect your life and health in negative ways for it to be an eating disorder," she said.
Dizziness, insomnia, lack of energy, swollen throat glands and constipation are some of the effects of eating disorders, Terrell said. Depression, guilt and thoughts of suicide are a few others.
For anorexics, some effects include hair loss, a drop in body temperature and, in females, irregular menstruation or a total lack thereof.
Bulimics often experience dental problems, and both bulimics and anorexics can face electrolyte imbalance or weakness and ultimately death, Terrell said.
Students wishing to receive more information or who know of someone with an eating disorder can visit the Wellness Center, located on the Arbor Level of the UC. Information is also available at the Counseling and Testing office on the second floor of the Student Service Center.
If you know someone with an eating disorder, Hughes said the best way to help them is to urge them to seek help. "Encourage them to get help - and be a friend," she said.