Eating Disorders Blog

Studies have found that about 60 percent of female college students have disordered eating habits, which means they use food to compensate for low self-esteem, stress, or sadness. In response to these statistics, the University of Virginia has launched an eating disorders program on campus.

"The program's education coordinator, Amy Chestnutt, is an alumna whose part-time job focuses on planning events and activities that emphasize eating disorder prevention & One of the biggest programs they present, 'Celebrate Every Body Week,' took place Feb. 22 through 26&' [Source: The News Leader (VA)]

The University of Virginia is believed to be one of the only U.S. colleges to have an eating disorder counselor, making its program a model for other Universities. The programs primary goal is to get people talking about eating disorders, seeking help if they need it, and encouraging students to challenge the "ideal" body image portrayed in the media.

Labels: awareness, colleges

Posted By: Aspen/CRC 0 Comments

As students around the country begin preparing for college, an eating disorder expert is trying to set their minds at ease. Many incoming college students worry about the “Freshman 15” – the 15 pounds of extra weight that students supposedly gain during their freshman year.

But [Cynthia] Bulk said recent research suggests that the average student gains only five pounds in the first year of college. And a 2008 study published in the journal Health Psychology found that the male students who gain weight generally do so because of an increase in muscle mass.

"You want to go into college as healthy and robust as you possibly can," she said.

Once they get to college, young people are confronted with a new group of peers to whom they can compare themselves. For students who are already concerned about their weight, that can trigger or worsen an eating disorder, Bulik said. [Source: Medical News Today]

Many young girls place a lot of pressure on themselves to lose weight their first year of college, in an attempt to compete with other girls on campus who appear to be skinnier. This comparison, combined with fear over the “Freshman 15,” can trigger eating disorder. Bulk encourages students to keep an eye on each other, and start asking questions if someone is losing a lot of weight or appears to have unhealthy eating or exercise habits.

Labels: pressures, colleges

Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton 1 Comment

According to a Nov. 13 article on the website ThirdAge.com, a college in Wales is attempting to combat rising rates of eating disorders in that nation by adding the topic to the school's curriculm:

More than 1000 new cases of eating disorders are being confirmed [in Wales] each year.

Now Cardiff University’s curriculum includes a module called, The Collaborative Working in Eating Disorders.

It aims to help promote greater understanding and treatment of eating disorders, like anorexia and bulimia.

The program pulls together academics and sufferers of eating disorders, to establish a better framework for dealing with the illness. It’s the first program of its kind in Wales.

“It is only with this kind of collaborative effort that we can think progressively and together develop a successful way to help and provide appropriate care for people with eating disorders," said Katy Rawlins, an ED survivor who is involved with the creation of the new course.

The full text of this article may be accessed here.

Labels: awareness, colleges

Posted By: Eating Disorders Blog 1 Comment

According to a Nov. 25 article by Kathleen Megan of the Hartford Courant, disordered eating remains a prevalent problem on college campuses across the United States:

There are various estimates, but according to the National Eating Disorder Association, 20 percent of college students have anorexia, bulimia or a binge-eating disorder. Most are women. Some studies have shown that 50 percent to 60 percent of college students have disordered eating patterns which are loosely defined as irregular or unusual, sometimes obsessive habits.

Colleges have recognized the issue, and many have established programs designed to raise awareness about good eating habits, to identify signs of eating disorders, and to inform students about services available on campus.

"That's probably why there are more reports of eating disorders on campus and people trying to seek help," says panel member Paula Holmes, clinical director of the eating disorders program at the Institute of Living in Hartford.

Megan's article was feature on the website of the LA Times.

Labels: colleges

Posted By: CRC Health 1 Comment