To the Editor:
We feel that the "Loudmouth" cartoon by Phil Lord '97 and Jay Lavender '97 which appeared on Jan. 30, 1997 entitled the "Dartmouth Die-it" deserves a response. They portrayed a young woman following "6 steps to a sexy beautiful you: 1 -- Bagel for breakfast, 2-- two hours on stairmaster, 3 -- celery for lunch, 4 -- 200 laps, 5 -- fro-yo for dinner, 6 -- 1000 crunches before bed."
While these behaviors may sound silly and comical, they may lead to more serious problems. A recent survey of Dartmouth students found that one in four women reports eating disorder symptoms with one in 20 having a full blown eating disorder. Compulsive exercise was reported by 11 percent. This is a real problem on campus and in our society at large. People with eating disorders truly suffer and need help in overcoming their obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
We would like to remind students that there are many resources on campus for help with unhealthy eating and exercising. The Dartmouth College Health Service has a team of specialists available to students with eating concerns -- counselors, nutritionist, Women's Health clinicians and doctors.
Anyone worried about themselves or a friend can get further information by calling Counseling and Human Development at 650-1442.
