Did You Know. . .?
At any point in time, 20-30% of girls in the 4th and 5th grade report being concerned about weight too much and trying to get thinner.
At any point in time, 30-50% of girls ages 12-14 say that being or feeling "fat" is a problems and 20-30% of girls ages 12-14 are dieting.
Looks, figure, weight and relations with the opposite sex appear to be of significantly more daily concern to 15-year-old white girls than money, grades, or the future.
At any given point in time, 40-60% of girls in high school perceive themselves to be overweight and are actively trying to lose weight.
Did we get your attention???
Take this short quiz* to see where you stand...
 
 
True
False
I lie about what I eat.
True 
False
I feel in control of myself if I restrict the amount of calories, food, and/or fat I eat.
True 
False
I spend a lot of time worrying about food and fat.
True 
False
I often feel anxious or guilty after I eat a food that is high in fat.
True
False
I go on eating binges and don't stop eating until I feel sick.
True 
False
I would rather die than be fat. 
True
False
I feel fat even though people tell me I'm thin. 
True
False
I believe that being in control of my food shows others that I'm in control of my life. 
True
False
I have a secret stash of food.
True
False
If I eat something "bad", I compensate by trying to exercise the calories away.
True
False
I have taken laxatives or force myself to vomit after eating. 
True 
False
I won't admit it, but sometimes I think that my eating/exercising is not normal.
Count the number you marked True and determine your score:

    1-3 You have some preoccupation with food and eating.  Get more information about healthy eating and weight change.  If you preoccupation increases, seek the help of a counselor.

    4-6  There is a reason for concern.  Check with a counselor and share your situation.  Recommendations will be given to you about your concerns.

    Over 6 True You are greatly jeopardizing your physical and/or psychological health.  Qualified, compassionate help is available.  Contact the Student Health (542-1162) Center or Counseling and Testing Center (542-3183).

*This quiz was taken from The University of Florida Eating Disorders Program Web Page.
 
 

Myths About Eating Disorders


 
 

Myth #1:  Since college women are usually intelligent and well-educated, they are a low-risk group group for eating disorders.

Myth #2:  Only females have eating disorders.

Myth #3:  “Fattism” is nonexistent.  Fat people have no one to blame but themselves.

Myth #4:  Repeated weight-loss dieting ensures permanent weight control.

Myth #5:  With a sensible diet and strong commitment, everyone (or every woman) can become thin.

Myth #6:  Eating disorders cannot be fatal.

Myth #7:  Only those who are apparently underweight overweight may have or will have eating disorders.

Myth #8:  Because people with eating disorders tend to remain secretive about their eating behaviors, it is extremely difficult to detect and help this population.

*Adapted from George Mason University web page.
 

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