College Health:
Eating Disorders

Intro	Eating Disorders
Knowing About My Health	Alcohol and Drugs
First Aid Supplies	Sexual Health
Health Services	Sexual Assault/Rape
How to Stay Healthy	Abusive Relationships
Common Health Problems	Survival Tips
Mental Health	Resources
Homesickness

What should I know about eating disorders?

Some girls may have an eating disorder before they leave for college, and others may develop an eating disorder while at college. The two most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

What is anorexia nervosa?

People who starve themselves and lose an extreme amount of weight suffer from anorexia nervosa. People with anorexia think they are overweight (even though they may not be) and continue to think they are overweight even when they get to be very thin. Starvation can cause harm to vital organs such as the heart and brain. The nails, hair, and bones of a person with anorexia can become brittle, and the skin can become dry and sometimes becomes yellow or covered with soft hair. Menstrual periods can become irregular or stop completely.

What is bulimia nervosa?

People with bulimia nervosa eat large amounts of food (also called bingeing) and then vomit (also called purging) or exercise compulsively. Because many people that “binge and purge” maintain their body weight, they may keep their problem a secret for years. Vomiting can cause loss of important minerals, life-threatening heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), damage to the teeth, and swelling of the throat. Bulimia can also cause irregular menstrual periods.

What if I think my roommate, classmate, or friend might have an eating disorder?

If you know someone with an eating disorder, the best thing you can do is give them support and encouragement. Urge the person to get help, and be persistent. Many colleges have treatment programs for these conditions and trained counselors who can relate to people with an eating disorder. They can help the person with an eating disorder understand her/his problem.

What if I think I might have an eating disorder?

If you think you might have an eating disorder, you should go to the student health center or counseling center and get help! Talk with your family and close friends. Going for help and talking to others about your feelings and illness can be very difficult, but it's the only way that you're going to get better.

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Written by the CYWH Staff at Children's Hospital Boston

Updated: 5/6/2010