Students and Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders Among Students

It is essential for high school and college-level students dealing with eating disorders to receive support and resources as they navigate a complex landscape toward recovery. Toledo Center recognizes the widespread challenges facing college students and young professionals of all genders. There are many factors that contribute to the onset of these disorders, including academic pressure, social change, and underlying mental health conditions. Regardless of where students are in their journey, Toledo Center offers resources tailored to help them find treatment, build a supportive network, and receive compassionate care.

Eating Disorder Signs and Symptoms

Early detection of an eating disorder significantly boosts the chance of recovery. Thus, recognizing the warning signs is crucial.

This isn’t meant to be a checklist. A person with an eating disorder typically won’t display all these signs and symptoms simultaneously, as they vary across different disorders and don’t always fit neatly into categories. Instead, these lists provide a general overview of behaviors that might signal a problem.

  • Emotional and Behavioral Signs and Symptoms
  • Preoccupation with weight loss, food, calories, and dieting
  • Extreme concern with body size and shape
  • Withdraws from friends and previously pleasurable activities
  • Becomes more isolated and secretive
  • Frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws in appearance
  • Extreme mood swings
  • Makes excuses to avoid mealtimes or situations involving food
  • Physical Signs and Symptoms
  • Noticeable fluctuations in weight, both up and down
  • Difficulties concentrating
  • Feeling cold all the time
  • Dizziness, especially upon standing
  • Sleep problems
  • Dry skin and hair, and brittle nails
  • Muscle weakness
  • Impaired immune functioning

Eating Disorder Triggers and Contributing Factors in Students

The pressure to excel academically, meet deadlines, and perform well in exams can lead to heightened stress levels. Some students may turn to disordered eating patterns as a way to cope with this stress.

College is a time when many individuals are exposed to new social environments and experiences. Increased focus on appearance, comparison to peers, and societal standards of beauty can contribute to poor body image and drive disordered eating behaviors.
Moving away from home, adjusting to a new living environment, and managing increased independence can be overwhelming. These transitions may exacerbate underlying emotional issues related to food and body image.
Many college students strive for perfection in various areas of their lives, including academics, extracurricular activities, and appearance. The pursuit of perfectionism can manifest in rigid eating habits and distorted body image perceptions.
Social dynamics within college settings can influence eating behaviors. Peer pressure to conform to certain body ideals, dieting trends, or eating habits prevalent among friend groups can contribute to the development of eating disorders.
Media portrayals of unrealistic body standards, dieting fads, and social media platforms emphasizing image-centric content can impact how college students perceive their bodies and eating habits.
Feelings of loneliness, social isolation, or difficulty forming meaningful connections in college can lead some students to turn to disordered eating as a way to regain a sense of control or cope with emotional distress.

College Eating Disorder Statistics

13%

Eating disorder risk among US college students increased substantially by 13 percentage points from 2013 to 2020/2021.

22%

ED screening on college campuses is seriously lacking—only 22% of colleges reported offering year-round ED screening opportunities and only 45% offered ED screenings once per year or semester.

20%

Only about 20% or fewer of the students who screened positive for an eating disorder reported receiving treatment for their eating disorder.

10%

It is estimated that 10-20% of women and 4-10% of men in college may have an eating disorder.

Resources for Individuals Struggling With Eating Disorders

In recovery, if you understand your triggers, and know that it’s best not to know your weight, then you can communicate your needs at your next medical appointment. Self-advocacy requires assertive communication, which makes it possible to:
  • Communicate triggers
  • Set boundaries
  • Stand up for yourself
  • Ask for help
  • Build and maintain healthy relationships
  • Feel engaged in recovery
Screenshot or print a “Don’t Weigh Me” card to advocate for yourself at your next medical appointment.

Download Here

Taking a leave of absence from school for eating disorder treatment requires careful planning to ensure your academic responsibilities are managed and your privacy and well-being are maintained. Here are some tips to help you navigate this process:

Understand School Policies and Your Rights

  • Review School Policies & Consult the Administration

Communicate with Key Individuals

  • Formal Request: Submit a formal request for a leave of absence.

Academic Planning

  • Notify Professors
  • Discuss options for withdrawing from courses or receiving incomplete grades.
  • Academic Support: Seek advice from your academic advisor.
  •  

Focus on Recovery

  • Follow Treatment Plans: Adhere to the treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare providers.
  • Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities that promote your physical and mental well-being.
  •  

Plan for Your Return to School

  • Reintegration Plan: Work with your academic advisor to develop a plan for your return, which may include a reduced course load or additional support services.
  • Continued Support: Maintain any ongoing therapy or support group sessions to help you transition back to school while continuing your recovery
  • By following these steps, you can manage your leave of absence effectively, ensuring that you receive the necessary treatment while maintaining your academic progress and personal well-being.
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Recent Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Educate themselves to be able to offer empathetic support, offer emotional support and a listening ear without judgment, and promote a healthy environment where you encourage a positive body image and healthy eating habits.
Provide eating disorder information into health education, training for staff to recognize the signs of eating disorders, establish support systems by creating support groups and providing access to counseling services.
National Eating Disorders Association, Academy for Eating Disorders, and online support communities including websites and forums where individuals can share experiences and receive support from others facing similar challenges.

Physical health issues, difficulties with concentration, memory, and decision-making, emotional and psychological impact including anxiety,

If you’d like to learn more about treatment at Toledo Center, our compassionate team is here to help.

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