It’s that time of year again when summer comes to an end and college starts back up in full swing. I clearly remember packing up my 2004 Toyota Highlander to the brim and making the trek from PA back up to Vermont for the start of the school year. Parents in tow getting ready to help me move back in, and tears streaming down my face from having to say goodbye to the dogs (they’re the hardest goodbye).
The other memory I have of college is my HORRIBLE relationship with food and my body. Disordered eating has become so normalized, especially on college campuses. Things that used to be considered signs of a problem are now celebrated as virtuous, healthy habits.
College is a uniquely challenging time when it comes to our relationship with food and our bodies. We’re navigating a big life transition, often living independently for the first time (aka why I probably sent my mom a million texts per day).
Plus, there’s endless pressure to look a certain way, whether it’s from social media, campus culture, or even well-meaning friends and family. And don’t even get me started on the “Freshman 15.” That’s a blog post within it self….brb writing that one asap.
So, when does “healthy eating” cross the line into disordered territory for students? Here are a few red flags to watch out for:
I know these signs and symptoms can seem virtuous and “healthy” on the surface. But the truth is, they often stem from a place of deep uncertainty, fear, and a need for control that’s exacerbated by the unique pressures of college life.
Over time, they can do serious damage to both your physical and mental health. Things like nutrient deficiencies, menstrual irregularities, bone density issues, and even heart problems are common in college students with eating disorders.
The early eating disorder warning signs in college students can manifest in various ways. Students may begin to exhibit disturbed eating patterns, such as skipping meals or excessively counting calories. They might also express concerns about their body weight and body shape, leading to a preoccupation with dieting or weight loss.
Emotional changes, such as increased anxiety about food or social situations involving meals, can also be indicators. It’s important to recognize these warning signs early on, as they may lead to more severe eating disorder symptoms if left unaddressed.
Common warning signs of eating disorders include drastic changes in eating habits, such as avoiding certain food groups or using laxatives and diet pills to control weight. A student may also engage in excessive exercise or exhibit behaviors such as hiding food or eating in secret.
Social withdrawal from friends and family, along with mood swings and irritability, can also be significant indicators. Recognizing these warning signs can be key to intervening before the situation escalates.
Identifying if someone you know has an eating disorder can be challenging, but there are several signs to look for. Changes in their physical appearance, such as rapid weight loss or changes in body shape, can be a red flag.
Additionally, observe their behavior around food; they may avoid eating in social situations, express guilt after eating, or obsessively talk about eating habits. Emotional signs, such as increased anxiety or depression, can also be indicative. If you notice a combination of these signs of an eating disorder, it may be time to encourage them to get help.
Yes, several types of eating disorders are particularly prevalent among college students. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are two of the most common. Binge eating disorder is also frequently observed, characterized by episodes of consuming large amounts of food followed by feelings of guilt or shame.
Research indicates that the average age of onset for anorexia and bulimia is 18, while for binge eating disorder, it’s 21—both within the typical college-age range.
So what’s the solution? How do you know if you’ve crossed the line?
The most important thing is to be honest with yourself. If any of those warning signs and symptoms resonate with you, consider speaking to a counselor or health professional who specializes in college student mental health and eating disorders. They can help you get to the root of what’s really going on, and guide you towards a healthier, more balanced relationship with food and your body.
It’s also crucial to surround yourself with messages of body liberation and self-acceptance. Unfollow anyone on social media who makes you feel bad about yourself or has you wondering if you should start that diet on Monday. Seek out accounts that celebrate all bodies- all shapes, sizes, and colors.
Most importantly, be gentle with yourself. Undoing years of societal conditioning while trying to maintain friendships, go to class, study, and have a fulfilling college experience is a handful! But you deserve to live your life without food and your body being a constant source of anxiety and shame.
You are so much more than a number on the scale or the shape of your thighs. Your worth isn’t defined by what you eat or how you look.
So keep nourishing your body with foods that make you feel good. And know that you are worthy of care, compassion, and celebration – exactly as you are.
So, you’re wondering what eating disorder treatment looks like? Well, it can really vary depending on whether someone is in inpatient, outpatient, or something else. You can learn about the various levels of care here. If you’re dealing with a serious case, like someone who’s been purging or has really decreased their food intake, they might need to stay in a hospital to get their physical health back on track. But for others, outpatient therapy can be very beneficial.
Eating disorders can be successfully treated, especially if you get help as soon as possible. The sooner you tackle that pattern of eating that leads to chaos, the better!
It’s important to find professionals who are experienced working with eating disorders, as they’re often characterized by abnormal or disturbed behaviors and thoughts about food and body image. Treatment often involves therapy, nutrition education, and sometimes medication to help with mental health conditions that often tag along. So if you or someone you know is facing these challenges, don’t wait! The sooner you start the journey to recovery, the more likely you are to heal your relationship with food.
At A Soft Place to Land, we’re all about helping those struggling with eating disorders, which can often stem from abnormal or disturbed eating habits. It’s important to remember that these disorders can be successfully treated, especially if caught early. Don’t let symptoms of eating disorders take over—let’s break that cycle together!
We’ve got a team that specializes in working with eating disorders, and we can help someone you love get the help they need as soon as possible. Remember, an eating disorder can quickly take control of someone’s life, but with the right eating disorder treatment, recovery is absolutely possible.
Sending you a gentle reminder that you do not have to do this alone. We’ve got your back. Reach out here to chat about how you’re feeling- we’re just a phone call away!
Megan is a weight inclusive registered dietitian and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. She is the founder and director of A Soft Place to Land, a multidisciplinary group practice based in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania that specializes in eating disorders, chronic dieting, and body image care. She is fiercely on a mission to be a loud advocate for ethical care of every BODY. Megan’s goal is to provide a weight inclusive and trauma informed safe space with an emphasis on social justice, fat liberation, self-exploration, and compassion. When she’s not taking down the patriarchy, you can find her spending time with her dogs outside, gardening, and painting plant pots!
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