Panel discusses eating disorders, causes and cures

For many reasons — from images in the media to varying youth environments — many students feel pressured to look a certain way, which can lead toward possibly harmful eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia. But students are often their own best line of defense to help each other, according to members of OU's medical community who participated in a panel on eating disorders Wednesday night in Dale Hall as part of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.

Sponsored by The Women's Outreach Center, the event began with a segmented screening of the HBO documentary "Thin", which follows four women in a Florida treatment center. It was followed by a panel discussion with three members of the OU Athletics Department, two of which work in PROS, Psychological Resources for OU Student Athletes, and a adjunct professor who teaches a course that discusses body image as it relates to the media.

Discussing what students should do when they believe a friend may have exhibit symptoms related to an eating disorder, Stacy Lemmert, the Director of Athletic Dining, said not to brush off initial responses of denial. "If you confront that person, nine times out of 10 you'll get excuses," Lemmert said.

A large theme of the panel discussion revolved around eating disorders rarely being connected to food. Many people are concerned with image or have other aspects of their life that they can't control, like grades, relationships and so on. By taking control of their eating habits, said Dave Botsford, a pre-doctoral intern at PROS, those people feel like they have control over something.

For online lists of the types of eating disorders, their symptoms and ways to help, go here and here.

If you or someone you know may be exhibiting signs that are related to eating disorders, here are some local resources that can help:

OU Counseling and Testing
Goddard Health Center, Rm 201
405-325-2911

Psychological Resources for OU Student Athletes (PROS)
Prentice Gautt Academic Center
405-325-8535

Disordered Eating Center of Central Oklahoma (DECCO)
Norman, OK
405-292-1000

Connie Fox, Ph.D and Donna Wade, LPC
Oklahoma City, OK
405-842-0543