Open Insurance Enrollment Period, Deadline: Sept 4


Announcements

Student Health Services

Eating Disorder Concerns and Body Image Issues

In today’s society, the ideal body is portrayed by the media as one of thinness and fitness.  As a result, many women and men are so concerned about appearance that food has become a preoccupation.  Some people find themselves obsessed with getting thin or changing their body shape.  Abnormal eating patterns, frequent dieting, excessive exercise, irrational thoughts or ideas about food and body image are common on college campuses. 

The term “disordered eating” is used to describe unhealthy attitudes and perceptions toward food and weight.  Disordered eating behaviors may start in college or students might arrive with concerns.  These behaviors represent the start of an unhealthy relationship some people have with food. Behaviors that can result from unhealthy attitudes include skipping meals, frequent dieting, binge eating or exercising for the sake of burning calories.

Sometimes, disordered eating can be the precursor to a serious, life-threatening eating disorder. Eating disorders meet specific criteria, beyond disordered eating behaviors. Although eating disorders generally effect women, eating disorders do not discriminate on the basis of gender; more men are being diagnosed with eating disorders.

Due to the complex nature of eating disorders, these pages contain general educational information and these guidelines are to be used as a starting point to getting help for yourself or a friend.