College Students: Eating Disorders

Warning Signs

Mental and Behavioral Signs:

dramatic weight loss/weight gain
concern about eating in public
worried about weight, food, calories, or dieting (panic attacks, anxiety)
excuses to avoid mealtime/tries to avoid being around during mealtime (doesn't feel well, etc)
patterns of binge eating and purging after meals
severely limiting and restricting the amount and types of food consumed
refusing to eat certain foods
denying feeling hungry
expressing a need to “burn off” calories
repeatedly weighing oneself
intense fear of weight gain/scared they will be considered overweight
excessively exercising/obsessed with losing weight
cooking meals for others without eating
missing menstrual periods (in people who would typically menstruate)
complaints of constipation, cold intolerance, abdominal pain, lethargy, or excess energy
dressing in layers to hide weight loss

Physical Signs:

stomach pain/vomiting
stomach cramps and other gastrointestinal symptoms
difficulty concentrating/focusing
atypical lab test results (anemia, low thyroid levels, low hormone levels, low potassium, low blood cell counts)
fainting
consistent slow heart rate
dizziness
sleep irregularities
menstrual irregularities
dry skin
dry, thin nails
thinning hair
muscle weakness
poor wound healing from weakened systems
calluses across the tops of the finger joints (a sign of inducing vomiting)

Signs Specific To College Students:

sudden change in grades/academics
loss of interest in activities/hanging with friends
avoids mealtime/eating with friends/at dorm
sudden changes in attitude, mood, or performance
expresses body image complaints/concerns: being too fat even though normal or thin
unable to accept compliments; mood affected by thoughts about appearance
low self esteem/sees self as less than others
constantly compares self to others; self-disparaging; refers to self as fat, gross, ugly
body image issues; strives to create a “perfect” image
seeks constant outside reassurance about looks/views other peoples opinions as higher than own
seems sad / depressed / anxious / ashamed / embarrassed / expresses feelings of worthlessness
seems/acts emotionless / lacks emotion
not able to accept anything less than perfect on appearance, academics, social life, etc
target of body weight bullying in past or current
spends a lot of time alone, especially when this isn't the norm for them
maintains unhealthy eating habits to enhance performance in sports, clubs, modeling, or dance
constant feeling of bloated/being full
bloodshot eyes/dark circles around eyes
constantly fatigued and tired/drowsy
pretends to eat, then throws away food/skips meals
very fidgety when eating; trouble sitting still, moving legs and arms, shows anxiety, gets up and walks around instead of eating meal
makes lists of foods and calories eaten each day and takes it very seriously
wears baggy clothes or clothes sizes to big to cover weight loss/body change
works through lunch, avoids cafe/cafeteria, eats alone
denies difficulty with body image or self esteem, even though there is evidence for concern

Myths About Eating Disorders

Myth 1

Myth: Eating disorders are all about food.
Truth: While eating disorders generally involve food, an obsession with calories or an addiction to losing weight or changing shape, these illnesses are more biological, psychological and sociocultural than just about food. Restriction, bingeing, purging or over-exercise behaviors usually signify an attempt to control something of substance in the individual’s life. Because friends and family mistakenly believe that eating disorders are just about food, they will often encourage their loved ones to “just eat more,” “just eat less,” or “just eat healthier” to be “cured” of this illness. In reality, these disorders often require a combination of medical, psychiatric, therapeutic and dietary intervention to achieve full recovery, as eating more or less is not a solution to those suffering.

Myth 2

Myth: Only women suffer from eating disorders

Truth: While research shows that women suffer from eating disorders at much higher rates than men, eating disorders do also occur in men and boys as well. While men used to represent about 7-8 percent of individuals with eating disorders, a recent Harvard study found that 20-25 percent of individuals with eating disorders are men. The stigma that surrounds men with eating disorders is large and it sadly often leaves men feeling embarrassed or judged, which often prevents them from reaching out for help and support. It's important for all of us to realize that eating disorders can affect any one of us and we must support all those who struggle with an eating disorder.

Myth 3

Myth: All people with an eating disorder are very skinny.
Truth: This is probably the most common myth out there, especially within colleges. While anorexia and other eating disorders are characterized by extreme weight loss, many people struggling with other eating disorders like binge eating disorder and bulimia are often of normal weight. The stigma that surrounds eating disorders, the lack of knowledge and education, and the misconception some have all work together to delay treatment and may result in misdiagnosis for some individuals. Being very thin doesn't mean you have an eating disorder, just as someone with normal weight or even overweight may have a disorder. Unfortunately, many professionals and researchers state that many healthcare experts lack eating disorder exposure and training, which highlights the important role of eating disorder education and awareness to ensure effective diagnosis and early intervention.

Myth 4

Myth: Recovery from eating disorders is rare.
Truth: Recovery is definitely possible. Eating disorders are very complex and every disorder is very different and each individual suffering experiences it differently, but recovery is very possible. With eating disorder recovery, it may take a few months or even a few years, and relapse may happen, but with treatment, many people do recover. We believe in you, you got this! ♥️