Eating Disorders on the Rise Among College Students, Parents Urged to Intervene Early

Although the majority of us have heard of the Freshman 15, which is the conventional weight gain seen by college freshmen, an increasing number of young adults are actually experiencing the complete reverse.

The National Eating Disorder Association has estimated that 4% to 10% of men and 10% to 20% of women in college have eating disorders.

Athletes and those who take part in weight-sensitive sports like jogging, ballet, and wrestling fall under this category.

Why are Eating Disorders More Prevalent in College?

In an interview in Miami, Florida-based eating disorder clinic Monte Nido & Affiliates’ chief clinical officer, Dr. Melissa Spann, discussed the connection between college campuses’ back-to-school expectations in terms of society and education and disordered eating patterns.

High pressure to perform well in educational institutions and adjust others can lead to unhealthy methods of coping, like behaviors that hint at eating disorders.

Finding nourishing dishes that are also healthful might be difficult as college students move away from home and lose their familiar routines.

For the first time, students in college must create their own structure and routines to ensure that their health needs are addressed because the home system surrounding eating, sleeping, and exercising has disappeared, according to Ouellette.

When choosing their classes, students might not be aware that they need to schedule food breaks.

With so many options and such a big mass of people, the dining hall may also be overwhelming in and of itself, she continued.

The Signs to Look Out For

eating-disorders-on-the-rise-among-college-students-parents-urged-to-intervene-early — Although the majority of us have heard of the Freshman 15, which is the conventional weight gain seen by college freshmen, an increasing number of young adults are actually experiencing the complete reverse.

When you’re still living with your child and talking about middle or high school, you should be on the lookout for more subtle signs because severe weight loss happens over a longer period of time, she advised.

According to her, it may manifest as binging and purging, actions resembling binges, or excessive and compulsive exercise.

Spann advised scheduling in-person visits using Face Timing on a frequent basis for college-age children who no longer reside at home in order to provide a visible check-in.

Preparing a child before they leave for college is the best thing a parent can do to promote healthy eating habits, according to Spann.

In order for the child to feel comfortable preparing food and taking care of his or her own nutritional needs, whether they are met in the dining hall or at a market, Spann advised conducting some trial runs before the start of the school year.

Children should be reminded by their parents that they should still gain weight at this stage of life.

Parents should be mindful of the language they use when discussing their own bodies and eating practices.

Avoid discussing your personal diet, weight, or clothes size with your children.

She added that it’s a good idea to instill mindful eating practices in your children at an early age.

Source: Fox News