What's The Difference? The term eating disorder usually refers to Anorexia and Bulimia. Anorexia, sometimes called "ana," is a refusal to eat or maintain a healthy body weight. Bulimia, called "mia," is characterized by eating large amounts of food in short periods of time, then getting rid of the food through vomiting and/or laxative use.

Crossing the Thin Line
The Facts About Eating Disorders

By Helen Orloff and Jennifer Goddard, staff writers

What's for lunch? A burger, large fries, milk shake, and cookies and 1,500 calories? Why not? After all, the bathroom is right around the corner. Or maybe a just small salad? One tiny meal a day will keep you in those size two jeans. How about lunch followed by exercising three hours a day, seven days a week? The real question is: what's your "method" of maintaining control?

Let's face it, a lot of us are concerned with our weight and want to look the best we can—but have you, or someone you know, crossed the "thin" line between healthy concern and unhealthy? Eating disorders are more than a problem with food. They may represent symptoms of underlying problems.

Do You Have An Eating Disorder?

What's wrong with trying to be thin? Nothing—it's healthy to exercise and watch what you eat. Here's what's not healthy:

• Worrying about your weight all the time
• Worrying about what you eat all the time
• Taking diet pills without a doctor's okay.
• Using laxatives or vomiting to control your weight

You may say things to yourself like:

"That person is nuts—I am not too thin"
"I'm so fat, look at these hips!"
"My thighs are awful"

But ask yourself, "Does this weight loss habit make me feel better about myself or does it make me feel disappointed?" Remember: it's the messages you give yourself that carry the most weight!

For some girls, body changes can be emotional and stressful. Get educated about what's normal—and keep in mind that it IS normal to gain weight around hips, thighs, and buttocks as you go through these next few years!

Does Someone You Know Have An Eating Disorder?

It can be a scary time for you if you know someone with an eating disorder; however, if you notice the warning signs, you can be in a postion to help. Does someone you know:

• Avoid eating meals or snacks around others?
• Talk about their weight or size all the time?
• Do frequent weigh-ins?
• Take laxatives or diet pills for weight loss?
• Participate in excessive exercise out of guilt or to lose weight instead of for health and enjoyment?

If you answer "yes" to some of these questions, your friend could be on her way to developing an eating disorder.

How You Can Help

• TELL SOMEONE. It may be difficult to know when to tell someone else about your concerns. Don't wait until the situation is so severe that your friend's life is in danger. Talk with a teacher, school counselor, your parents, or any trusted adult about your concerns.



• LET THEM KNOW YOU CARE. Use "I" statements like, "I am concenrned about you" instead of "You gotta eat!"



• DON'T JUDGE. People with eating disorders need understanding from others in their lives. Recognize that what they're going through is difficult. Let them know that you're there to help or listen if they want to vent.



• GET IN THE KNOW. Learn as much as you can about eating disorders—read articles and contact national organizations that deal with eating disorders for information.

If you believe you or someone you know has an eating disorder—get help! Talk to a trusted adult or get advice from a trained professional. After all, recovery is possible so don't delay.