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Eating Disorders in College

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It is not unusual to occasionally feel low self-esteem about your appearance.  So, what is the difference between having a bad day and suffering from an eating disorder? An eating disorder is more than just a diet – it is marked by extreme behaviors and feelings. Symptoms can range from an extreme fear of gaining weight to an extreme obsession with exercise.

Eating disorders afflict many and college students are not an exception. Much like high school, the new life is stressful because it takes time to adjust to a new environment. Unlike high school, individuals have more alone time and freedom in controlling their lives. If an individual develops an eating disorder, the college environment is a perfect place where they can continue their routine. New stress and social pressure can also create anxiety as individuals turn to controlling their weight in order to cope with what’s going on in their life. The stereotype of the “freshman 15”, gaining 15 pounds or more during freshman year, also intensifies the pressure to scrutinize one’s weight. A lifestyle of junk food, staying up late and excess drinking can have a toll on one’s body. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, roughly 20% of college students have some type of eating disorder.

Whether it is eating once a day or binge eating, college students can especially be prone to anorexia, bulimia or any other combination types of eating disorder. If your son, daughter, friend or loved one is suffering from an eating disorder while away at college, it may be harder to give them the support and treatment that they need. Remember, no matter how hard it may be to accept, it is the individual is the one that has to accept and follow through with the treatment. Eating disorders are becoming more common on college campuses and it is helpful to look for resource and other information online:

Psychological Impact of College Can Influence Eating Disorders
Handling Eating Disorders When Your Teen Goes to College
College Eating Disorders Affect Campus Life

Afflicted by Eating Disorders

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With unrealistic images of celebrities and cultural obsessions with the ideal body, it is not surprising that 70 million individuals are affected by eating disorders worldwide. Studies show that as many as 1 in 5 women suffer from an eating disorder. This is not only a female affliction as 10 – 15% of males are amongst the diagnosed.

There are many different types of eating disorders and it is possible for an individual to suffer from more than one disorder:

  • Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a low body weight and a distortion of body image. It is a crippling fear of gaining weight.
  • Binge eating is distinguished by periods impulsive or continuous eating beyond the point of feeling comfortably full.Bulimia nervosa is characterized by self-induced vomiting, the use of laxatives to lose weight, over exercising and even binge eating.
  • Over exercising is when an individual takes exercising to an extreme. Characterizations include scheduling daily activities around exercise and exercising for long periods of time to the point of fatigue.

Like any other addictions, eating disorders can be difficult to overcome. Those suffering from eating disorders also need continued support and help to conquer their affliction. It is estimated that only 1 in 10 people with eating disorders receive treatment. In addition to offering support, professional help is one of the best things to offer someone battling an eating disorder. Treatment may include evaluation by a doctor, psychotherapy, nutritional counseling and support groups. Nowadays, there are even eating disorder outpatient services to help the patient transition back to a healthy life.

So, if you or anyone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, it is crucial to get help as soon as possible.

Like any other addictions, eating disorders can be difficult to overcome. Those suffering from eating disorders also need continued support and help to conquer their affliction. It is estimated that only 1 in 10 people with eating disorders receive treatment. In addition to offering support, professional help is one of the best things to offer someone battling an eating disorder. Treatments may include evaluation by a doctor, psychotherapy, nutritional counseling and support groups. Nowadays, there are even eating disorder outpatient services to help the patient

Binge Eating Defined

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Binge eating is one of the common types of eating disorder characterized by frequent consumption of unusually large amounts of food. Recent statistics reveal that around 4 million people across the United States are suffering from this disease. Studies also disclosed that around 10 to 15 per cent of people who are mildly obese are suffering from binge eating disorders.

Individuals with binge eating disorders are often dissatisfied with their body shape. These people usually have low self-esteem and feels that they are not accepted. In an effort to be acceptable and due to reasons which involve existing culture, these individuals tries on several measures to be “fit” and be accepted.

Binge eaters consume large amounts of food in between binge periods. Some of these individuals binge and purge. Purging means throwing up after eating in order to avoid gaining more weight. This can be done by using laxatives, enemas and/or diuretics. Other people would exercise too much in an effort to lose weight.