In high school and college, Jenni Schaefer wanted to do well on tests. When they were returned and she hadn't done well, however, she had a consolation: Ed. If her score was bad, Schaefer would look around the room to see whether she was the thinnest woman there. If so, she was in control -- or rather, Ed was.

• "MY EATING DISORDER became my safety net," said Schaefer, who has recovered from anorexia and bulimia.

Schaefer is the author of "Life Without Ed: How One Woman Declared Independence from Her Eating Disorder and How You Can Too." She spoke at Brigham Young University on Thursday about her experiences living with and recovering from Ed, her eating disorder.

"I cannot tell you how horrible it is to have an eating disorder," Schaefer said.

Eating disorders are as prevalent at BYU as they are on other college campuses, according to a BYU study. LaNae Valentine, director of Women's Services and Resources at BYU, said the study found that about one in ten students at BYU had an eating disorder, which is the national average. The study also found that most of those students came to campus with a problem they had developed in high school.

"Most of them come with one," Valentine said. "They don't develop one when they get here."

Michael Berrett is the executive director of Center for Change, an Orem treatment center for eating disorders. He said that even a religious environment like that at BYU does not entirely prevent eating disorders.

"Being [of] any religion does not make anyone immune to an eating disorder or any other emotional illness," Berrett said.

Schaefer suffered from anorexia and bulimia all through junior high, high school and college. She told students she has had issues with food since she was four years old.

"I constantly heard Ed's voice as I grew up," Schaefer said.

Schaefer said she was a perfectionist who used Ed to be in control. Even if she got a bad grade or couldn't be the star of the volleyball team, she could control food.

Schaefer said that Ed told her, "You know that you can't be perfect in everything. You can be perfect at your size."

Schaefer recovered once she began working with a therapist and a team of professionals. Now, she says she is actually excited to open her refrigerator and see it full of food. During her sickness, she only kept one or two things in the fridge.

To help a friend or relative who may have an eating disorder or an unhealthy relationship with food, Schaefer, Valentine and Berrett all recommended talking to the person about behavior.

"Talk to them. They might be in denial, but you've planted the seed of hope," Schaefer said.

Berrett said those who wish to help should reach out honestly and not let the signs pass by.

"Extend an invitation and an open door. If they're offended, let them be offended. If you love someone, you've got to take a few risks," Berrett said.

Schaefer said that concerned friends need to be compassionate and recommend that a person seek professional help.

"If you're going to talk to someone about this, it's best not to mention appearance at all," Schaefer said.

When Schaefer was dealing with Ed, someone complimented her teeth. She was so distraught over what she felt was that person's inability to compliment her body because it was fat, that she crashed her car.

"Talk about mood. Talk about specific behaviors," Schaefer said.

Don't assume a person has a problem and label them, Schaefer said, just be compassionate and don't give up. Friends should not become the food police, she added.

Valentine said students can direct friends to resources on campus such as Women's Services.

• Brittani Lusk can be reached at 344-2549 or at blusk@heraldextra.com.