The Red and Black

Issue date: 2/27/08 Section: Opinions

SHANNON OTTO

Confession: I'm a recovering workout-a-holic.

Throughout the spring of my freshman year, I would run, bike and row the calories away at Ramsey. I was far from overweight, but a fall semester filled with poor choices at Bolton had left me feeling a bit sluggish. What began as an innocent effort to return to my pre-University weight spiraled into a desperate semester consumed by control and guilt.

After months of six-or-seven-day-a-week, two-hour workouts and a diet comprised mainly of Special K and fruit, I realized I had become obsessive. Sure, I had lost the extra weight and much more, but at what price? I ignored social invitations because they interfered with my gym time. I was reluctant to eat at restaurants because I was afraid of the huge portions.

I know I'm not the only one who is or has been a slave to the gym. I've seen you women huffing on the ellipticals next to me, and I've seen the same guys lifting weights, day in and day out.

Welcome to the world of exercise bulimia, one of the most under-reported eating disorders. It is not only difficult to diagnose, but often is ignored because exercise is supposed to play a vital role in leading a healthy lifestyle. But how much is too much?

We live in a society of extremes. The average dress size of American women his risen since the 1970s, yet models continue to shrink and retailers continue to cater to the thin end of the spectrum. A size double zero actually exists in stores today.

Ten percent of high school girls are considered medically overweight, yet 90 percent of 16- to 18-year-old females consider themselves "dieting," according to a Radar Programs anorexia, bulimia and compulsive overeating study.

What's wrong with this picture?

Today's culture is marked by a lack of positive role models for young girls. Health experts claim the rise of the Barbie culture sparked a young obsession with weight. Others blame the media and fashion industry for portraying the perfect woman as nearly anorexic.

I think society is so super-saturated with advertisements, magazines and TV shows setting impossible standards for the ideal body that we've lost sight of what's realistic.

When bombarded by images of hungry-looking starlets and aspiring "Top Models," it's difficult not to get fooled into thinking your body is less than ideal.

The diet and weight loss industry in the United States has $33 billion in revenue every year. Atkins, South Beach, no-fat, lemon-cayenne pepper flush, Zone - women go to extreme lengths to fit into that coveted smaller size, without considering their body type or build.

Everyone should be able to look in the mirror and love what they see, but here are some suggestions if you're constantly critiquing yourself:

• Make a list - mental or otherwise - of things you like about your body. Focus on what it can do, not necessarily what it looks like.

• Throw away the scale. Don't become frustrated with a weight plateau - assess how your clothes fit. Your weight can fluctuate up to seven pounds in one day.

• Cut out the tags in your clothes. So what if your favorite jeans aren't the size you aspire to be? If you're anything like me, your clothing spans three different sizes. Retailers today are not consistent.

• Be realistic. Not everyone has the same body, and life would be boring if that were the case. Remember that body frame and genetics play a big part in your ideal weight.

• If you're concerned about yourself or a loved one, contact the Health Center's Counseling and Psychiatric Services at 706-542-2273. The program offers nutrition counseling and a physical evaluation in addition to psychological counseling.

I know firsthand disordered exercise and eating is difficult to overcome. Once you lose those first few pounds, it's hard to know when to stop. The exercise regimen becomes about control and guilt, body image and self-perception.

I've finally learned to love my body - the good, the bad and (occasionally) the ugly. I know I'm never going to squeeze into those size 2 jeans. To be honest, I don't want to. Instead I exercise because I truly enjoy it now, not to work off every cookie.

It's taken two years and a lot of hard work to embrace what my mama gave me - but I'm proud of it.


- Shannon Otto is the managing editor of The Red & Black.

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