HOLIDAY STRESS AND EATING DISORDERS.

Mid-November signals the on-slaught of holiday parties, family reunions, and an increase in food. For some, the emotional stress proves too much and they take it out on their bodies. "Most eating disorders stem from underlying emotional issues relating to self-esteem, relationships, a fear of conflict, a need for perfection, or feeling a lack of control in your life," maintains Hue-Sun Ahn, a staff psychologist at Temple University's Counseling Services, Philadelphia, Pa.

For instance, between five and 20% of college students nationwide suffer from some type of eating disorder such as anorexia, bulimia, or compulsive overeating. Once considered a predominantly white female issue, these problems have spread across the lines of sex, race, and socioeconomic...