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Tonya Papanikolas ReportingIt's beautiful outside. The weather is warming up; well, it was. Overall, it's a great time of year. But for people with eating disorders, spring and spring break is a very dangerous time.
Jennie Baum is a mother of five. Says she's struggled with weight and body image her entire life. Recently, she lost 30 pounds in two months. She did it by not eating.
Jennie Baum, Recovering Anorexic: "It kind of sounds crazy, but it would make you feel empowered to say, look, I can survive without eating."
Baum says each anorexic or bulimic patient has different "triggers", but springtime enhances the problem.
Jennie Baum: "That I have to look good in a bathing suit and shorts. Oh, it's all about appearance."
Younger patients can start obsessing about weight before spring break.
Dr. Elizabeth Joy, Madsen Health Center: "We definitely see more disordered eating in and around spring break. We see symptoms worsen. And spring in general makes it worse."
For high-school and college age students, spending spring break with a group of friends can even become competitive.
Dadhri Keane, New Life Centers Therapist: "You diet with your friends, you compare, you contrast, who can eat less at lunch?"
At the University of Utah's eating disorders clinic, therapists try to plan ahead for a patient's vacation.
Dr. Elizabeth Joy: "If eating in front of people makes you uncomfortable and you're gonna be with a bunch of girlfriends on the beach, then let's talk about what foods you may be comfortable eating."
While patients are getting treatment across the country, a disturbing trend is emerging online. It's called the pro-ana or pro-anorexia movement. We found hundreds of websites actually promoting the anorexic lifestyle.
Dadhri Keane, New Life Centers Therapist: "Basically, unfortunately, we're teaching our society that it's okay."
And deterring them from getting treatment. That's something Jennie Baum knows is not okay. She checked into the New Life Centers treatment program in Salt Lake. After nine weeks there, she's now at a healthy weight and eating again.
Jennie Baum: "Amazingly, you feel better when you eat."
It's a basic fact too many women are learning the hard way. Treatment centers like New Life and the University of Utah have outpatient and inpatient programs. They recommend families watch for dramatic changes in diet and eating behaviors. If you think someone you love has a problem, get help immediately.
