College students deal with a variety of issues and obstacles. One major problem that affects college students is eating disorders. According to ANAD, 86% of students report the onset of an eating disorder before the age of 20. While so many students struggle with eating disorders, there is not a lot of awareness around the subject. They have been increasing in college students due to factors such as the stress of transitioning, academic pressures, peer pressure, and even cultural influences.
The most common eating disorders that affect college students are anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. Anorexia is the third most common chronic illness among college students. Eating disorders put a huge strain on your body. When they are not …show more content…
This happens because they are afraid to seek out treatment. It can be embarrassing to ask for help, and there is a stigma around eating disorders. They are often seen as only a girl’s problem, and that, in our misogynistic culture, means it isn’t a real issue. There is a misconception that people with eating disorders are just control freaks, or are doing it as an act of rebellion. It is also highly glorified by the media through celebrities and the imagery that is shown. It is portrayed that thin is what is in, and we are bombarded by weight loss tips and commercials for weight loss supplements. We are shown that you must do all you can to be thin, and you are exposed to that at a very young age. It even extends to medical areas. Eating disorders often can be dismissed as a behavioral problem, and doctors may not recognize how serious this is …show more content…
Being in a new environment is hard to adapt to. The possibility of relapse is so much higher in this transition. All of these additional stressors of college can trigger relapse. I know that personally this has been the biggest problem for myself. I can see how it could be so easy to fall into disordered eating, with the available food, and the gym being so close. Also, the atmosphere of Springfield College can make it easier to have an eating disorder go undetected. It is great that the college is so health oriented, and all for fitness. But you can use this as an excuse and it can be easier to hide warning
The most common eating disorders that affect college students are anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. Anorexia is the third most common chronic illness among college students. Eating disorders put a huge strain on your body. When they are not …show more content…
This happens because they are afraid to seek out treatment. It can be embarrassing to ask for help, and there is a stigma around eating disorders. They are often seen as only a girl’s problem, and that, in our misogynistic culture, means it isn’t a real issue. There is a misconception that people with eating disorders are just control freaks, or are doing it as an act of rebellion. It is also highly glorified by the media through celebrities and the imagery that is shown. It is portrayed that thin is what is in, and we are bombarded by weight loss tips and commercials for weight loss supplements. We are shown that you must do all you can to be thin, and you are exposed to that at a very young age. It even extends to medical areas. Eating disorders often can be dismissed as a behavioral problem, and doctors may not recognize how serious this is …show more content…
Being in a new environment is hard to adapt to. The possibility of relapse is so much higher in this transition. All of these additional stressors of college can trigger relapse. I know that personally this has been the biggest problem for myself. I can see how it could be so easy to fall into disordered eating, with the available food, and the gym being so close. Also, the atmosphere of Springfield College can make it easier to have an eating disorder go undetected. It is great that the college is so health oriented, and all for fitness. But you can use this as an excuse and it can be easier to hide warning