Pulling for Nicole

By Tammy Van, staff writer
Friday, November 17, 2006

Anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating are all terms pressed upon today's youth. The measures taken to fit into a size 0 are frightening, but the humiliation and self-loathing are just the cherries on top. Freshman Helen Nguyen said, “ Hollywood is pressuring teens to slim down through stars who look too perfect.”

In 2003, Nicole Richie had undergone treatments for a heroin addiction weeks before The Simple Life was taped. “You gain weight in rehab,” admitted Richie. Still, she was disgusted with her size and appearance on the show, and Hollywood, too, noticed the difference. Alongside Paris Hilton's tiny build, Richie had earned the title as the “fuller-bodied, crazy girl” in an issue of USA Today.

From then on, Richie's weight began to drop drastically until it reached an all-time low. Her dieting extremes were seen in La Scala, a Beverly Hills diner. When Richie had stepped away from the table, her friends poured half of her dish into their own. After returning, she would only take a few bites without even finishing. This eating habit continued for several years until it took its dangerous toll. In the past summer, she weighed in at 87 pounds.

Richie's appearance at her grandmother's memorial provoked many alarmed responses from her Alabamian relatives. After being confronted by her own family, Richie resolved to adjust her lifestyle. Recently, she had discontinued her exercise routines and added an extra consumption of protein shakes, but was still unable to pack the pounds. Director of the Eating Disorders Program, Dr. James Lock, fears that an infection of her gastrointestinal tract may be the reason behind it.

Fortunately, Richie is regularly seeking medical assistance at a Newport Beach facility by following medical consultation and procedures. With the help of Paris, her father, and DJ A.M., her old flame, Richie had been pulling through her recovery. As of October 26 th , she had gained six pounds in several weeks. More important, she is able to finally hold her head up high and boast to the press that she is taking care of her health.

Eating disorders are commonly associated with personal vanity, but there are other factors that push people to the very edge as well. “People might resort to eating disorders because of the stress from problems and negative things that trouble them in life,” said Senior Sheri Wan. Richie had admitted to other factors that stunted her weight gain. “I get really stressed out and I do lose my appetite, but I do force myself to eat.”

Richie's decision to strive and make this change already proved to be sincere to some. James Nguyen, senior, agreed. “I just hope that her example would encourage people to admit their problem and fix it.”

Some, on the other hand, feel her efforts were meager. “She only seems to be making this change, so she can get in the news again,” said Kien Giang, senior.