Eating disorder week promotes awareness

Junior Ashley Loehmer used to wake up "at the crack of dawn" and run miles a day on just a can of green beans. At one point, Loehmer would induce vomiting 12 to 14 times a day. She could "eat boxes" of laxatives and diuretics in a week. \nLoehmer has experienced the horrors of anorexia, bulimia and the emotional struggles that accompany severe eating disorders.\nBut Loehmer is not alone. Reported statistics confirm that one of every four college women has an eating disorder, said Jan Taylor, local therapist and director of IU's eating disorder support group. But Taylor fears this number may be underestimated because so many women are secretive and unwilling or unable to admit their problem.\n"I'm afraid to say it is probably closer to 35 or 40 percent," Taylor said.\nFeb. 27 through March 5 marks the 18th Annual National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. And Taylor, a former victim of anorexia and bulimia, emphasizes how treatment and prevention are more available than ever. \nAlthough many women have been struggling with weight and perception issues for years, some are bombarded with new ideals as they enter a campus atmosphere. Without the security of family, familiarity of home and comfort of old friends, it is easy for female students to become overzealous in their quest to fit in.\nThis combination of camaraderie and competition could be to blamed for the increasing amount of women who suffer from a form of anorexia or bulimia during their college career.\n"Any time you get a bunch of women in a room, there's going to be competition, absolutely," Taylor said. "And with that comes a rationalization for their behavior."\nWhile there certainly are ever-growing numbers of ever-shrinking college women, both Taylor and Loehmer agree that it is important to remember the root of these evils. Eating disorders are ultimately about control, Loehmer said.\n"During stressful times it was the first place I'd go to," Loehmer said. "I still struggle with it today."\nTaylor stressed the idea of eating disorders as emotional disorders, far removed from issues of vanity or self-importance. College is not just a place to eat, drink and be merry. It is a place to learn, grow and network and a place on which many students' futures are determined. The stressors can be too much to bear and women turn to the things they are able to control, Taylor said.\nBut Loehmer and Taylor are encouraged because there is light at the end of the tunnel.\n"There is a way out of the personal hell," Loehmer said. "Just know it is going to take a lot of hard work."\nTaylor urges anyone contemplating or exhibiting signs of eating disorders to get involved and for those women who are concerned for a friend to seek help immediately. Taylor facilitates IU's free, bi-monthly support group and is described as a safe and supportive environment. \nThe next meeting will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the SRSC 133. Students can also contact Taylor directly by visiting her Web site, www.jantaylor.org, for answers to your questions, information and referrals.\n-- Contact Staff Writer Allison Rose Davis at alrdavis@indiana.edu.