I'm 16 and am constantly bombarded with a stereotypical society. The Barbie-doll image has weaseled itself into my brain, and as such has caused me increasing grief. For the past couple of months, I have started a running program, up to an hour a day, all on one meal (supper). I know this isn't healthy, and my weight loss (almost 20 pounds in two months) is only making things worse. Recently I have entertained thoughts of purging my meals, and though I recognize the danger, I still often contemplate this. Please help me get rid of these thoughts before I give into my will.

S.R.

You're wise to realize the potential dangers of the path you've embarked on, and the effect our culture's preoccupation with artificial thinness is having on women -- as well as quite a few men. These unhealthy obsessions are often fueled by media images such as television, movies and fashion magazines.

The relationship between media images of women and eating disorders was dramatically demonstrated in Fiji, a remote country in which fatness has traditionally been prized. Fiji women celebrate weight gain, which symbolizes health and abundance, and worry about those who lose weight. That is, they did until 1995, when cable television came to Fiji. Television introduced (perhaps even bombarded) the Fiji people with the Western image of the ideal female shape. The incidence of eating disorders in young Fiji women has skyrocketed since 1995. How sad.

The good news is that it's possible to recover from even full-fledged eating disorders ... even if you can't move to a remote country where TV is unknown and the nearest fashion magazine is a thousand miles away.

There are other factors involved in the development of eating disorders and body-image problems that psychotherapy, support groups and other resources can help address. For instance, many women and girls try to control their bodies and their eating when other aspects of their lives seem out of control. Ironically, those very attempts at weight control can backfire, leaving them feeling even more out of control. I've also found that people with eating disorders often have difficulty recognizing, accepting and expressing their feelings. Thus, effective treatment for eating disorders addresses struggles around control, life stressors and what might be called emotional literacy, as well as debunking some of the misconceptions about weight that have been promulgated by the multi-billion-dollar weight-loss industry.

You might find it helpful to talk with a psychologist or other therapist experienced in working with women and girls with struggles involving weight, body image and eating. Your parents may be able to help you find a good professional to talk to. You can also find listings of therapists and treatment centers across the United States at the Something Fishy eating disorders website. Another worthwhile site is Body Positive. Books you might find helpful include Making Peace with Food, by Susan Kano, When Women Stop Hating Their Bodies, by Jane Hirschmann and Carol Munter, and The Beauty Myth, by Naomi Wolf.

You can also help combat the effects of the cultural barrage by surrounding yourself, when possible, with images of "real" girls and women of all shapes, sizes and ages. Find pictures of women and girls whose LIVES -- not just bodies -- you admire, and look to them when you feel pulled into the illusion that thinness equals success and/or happiness. You might even ask yourself what you would like others to respect about you (NOT including your body), and cultivate those abilities. Odds are you'll have much more success -- and happiness -- taking that route than in following the one you're currently on. Good luck.