Why College Students Are at Risk for Eating Disorders
Most of us are familiar with the “Freshman 15” – the weight gain that often occurs in college students during their first year. However, there is a growing number of young adults experiencing the opposite. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, about 10% to 20% of females and 4% to 10% of males in college suffer from an eating disorder.
The rates of disordered eating among college students have been increasing for some time, with the pandemic accelerating this trend. A recent study involving 260,000 students found a 13% increase in eating disorders between 2013 and 2021, with about 3% of the increase happening after the pandemic began.
Certain populations, such as athletes and those engaged in “weight-sensitive” sports like running, ballet, and wrestling, are particularly vulnerable to developing eating disorders.
Why College is a Common Time for Eating Disorders
The transition back to school can be stressful, and this is especially true for college students. Dr. Melissa Spann, Chief Clinical Officer at Monte Nido & Affiliates, an eating disorder clinic in Miami, Florida, explains that the social and academic pressures of the back-to-school season can trigger disordered eating habits on college campuses.
Heading back to school, especially when it involves leaving home for the first time, can be a time of great stress for young adults. The pressure to perform academically and fit in socially can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, including behaviors indicative of eating disorders.
Additionally, college students must develop their own structure and routines to ensure their health needs are met. Without the structure of home, finding nutritious foods and sticking to a healthy meal schedule can be a challenge. Students may also face overwhelming choices and large crowds in the dining hall.
Social dynamics also play a role in increasing the risk of eating disorders. Positive feedback for weight loss within social environments can push individuals to engage in unhealthy behaviors to continue losing weight. Social media, with its algorithms and influence, has also been shown to contribute to the onset and development of eating disorders.
Warning Signs to Look Out For
When it comes to recognizing red flags for disordered eating, it is important to be aware that these signs may vary depending on age. For younger children, more subtle signs like changes in mealtimes and eating patterns should be observed. It is also essential to pay attention to any development of unusual rituals or extreme behaviors around food and exercise.
For college-age kids, parents are advised to regularly check in visually through video calls or in-person visits. This communication allows parents to monitor their child’s well-being, especially their eating habits and overall physical appearance.
Tips for Parents
Parents can help their children develop healthy eating habits by preparing them before they start college. It is important for students to learn how to cook and navigate dining halls or food markets so they can meet their nutritional needs.
Using body-positive or body-neutral language at home is also crucial. Focusing on regular eating habits rather than weight control and reminding children that weight gain is normal during this time of life can promote a healthy relationship with food.
Parents should also be mindful of their own language and behaviors around food, weight, and body size. Avoiding discussions of dieting and body dissatisfaction can contribute to a positive body image and overall mental health.
By being proactive and supportive, parents can help their college-bound children navigate the challenges of maintaining a healthy relationship with food during this transitional period in their lives.
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