Many college students struggle in their relationship with food. At times, that relationship can become destructive and dangerous. There are many types of troubled eating behaviors. Among the most common are:
Anorexia (also called Anorexia Nervosa) is characterized by low weight due to restrictive eating and/or purging and an intense fear of being "fat."
Bulimia (also called Bulimia Nervosa) typically refers to eating extremely large amounts of food followed by compensatory weight-loss behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting, diuretic or laxative abuse. Some can also compensate by exercising excessively to control weight.
Binge Eating Disorder (sometimes called Compulsive Eating) is characterized by repeated periods of impulsive gorging or continuous eating without regular compensatory behaviors (i.e. no purging, restricting or exercise).
There are many students who recognize their eating behaviors are not healthy, but are concerned about being judged, misunderstood or ridiculed. The caring professionals at the University Counseling Center are sensitive to these concerns. Here is what you can expect when you come to the counseling center:
We have positive working relationships with several, local treatment providers who have specializations in treating eating disorders. You are welcome to contact these centers directly. At times, we make direct referrals to them based on our initial assessment.
Helpful Resources for additional information