DR. WALLACE: I'm 16 and so is my best friend. I love her as a sister. Kelly's parents have been putting a lot of pressure on her to be thin. They are pushing her to become a fashion model. All her mother ever says to her is, "Remember, Kelly, thin is in." Lately Kelly has been losing weight. My mom and I both think that she has an eating disorder — probably anorexia nervosa because she rarely eats.

I've tried to get her to eat more, but she won't because she still considers herself overweight, but believe me, she isn't. I'm also aware that anorexia is self-starvation and can lead to death. What are the health risks from being anorexic? —R.T., Orlando, Fla.

R.T.: The desire for females to be thin is a total cultural obsession in the United States. It is estimated that half of our female population is on a diet at any given time. Unfortunately, many of our females think the same as Kelly's mom — that thin is in.

The health risks from anorexia nervosa (90 percent of the victims are female age 16 to 30) include low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, yellowing skin, cessation of menstruation, bone-mass loss and blood disorders. Kelly's mom is unbelievably foolish! Do all within your power to convince your friend that she has a serious eating disorder and needs to seek help to overcome it. Help includes informing her mother that Kelly has a serious mental health problem, and receiving guidance from a professional who specializes in treating eating disorders.

A discussion about Kelly's eating disorder with her school counselor could bring positive results to both Kelly and her mother. Her mother needs to be told by a professional that her daughter could be in harm's way.

START MAKING NEW FRIENDS

DR. WALLACE: Carly has been my best friend for a long time. My problem is that most times when I call her to go somewhere she makes excuses why she can't go and tells me to call her later.

When I call her later, she has gone out with someone else or she has other friends over. I know that we are still good friends because she does invite me to do things with her. Please tell me what to do. —Cindy, Phoenix, Ariz.

CINDY: It appears that Carly is the only important friend that you have and your entire social life revolves around your association with her. Stay good friends with her, but start doing things and going places with other girls who share your interests. This will make your association with Carly stronger and more enjoyable and will eliminate the left-out feeling you now have.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. Email him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.