In a study about eating disorders I found that a surprising 40% of female college students have eating disorders. Or is it surprising? Reportedly 91% of female college students attempt to diet. Also, 5%-20% o men are found to have eating disorders in college. It is surprising how many college students feel as though they have weight problems and need to lose weight.
Although eating disorders are present in people of all ages, it is said that the majority of people who develop a eating disorder do so in their college years. The common eating disorders for college students are anorexia, bulimia , and binge-eating.
Signs to look for with Anorexia are:
- An intense drive for thinness
- Avoiding situations where food is involved
- Developing rituals around preparing food
- Pronounced emotional changes, such as irritability , depression and anxiety
Signs of Bulimia:
- The frequent smell of vomit
- Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals
- excessive use of diuretics
- Going to the kitchen frequently when everyone is sleeping.
Signs of Binge-Eating:
- Eating in secret
- "Grazing" continuously without feeling satiated
- Eating when stressed or when feeling uncertain how to cope
If you see these signs with any person you may be the one to speak up and help them. Eating disorders are a growing problem among college students which needs direct attention. There are now places out there for people to go; there are people to talk to , family members can also help. Also, now instead of staying in a hospital there are rehab centers which are trained in helping people with eating disorders recover. Below is just one of many different rehabs which are used to help people of any age recover
4 comments:
I like that you picked eating disorders as a topic for one of your blogs. As college students I'm sure we can all relate to your blog and know at least one person who actually has an eating disorder. The signs and symptoms you listed are good things for college students to look out for so they can help someone who has one.
Nice blog and good information. Knowing the signs of these eating disorders I will be on the lookout for people who have them and try and help them out. Nice job.
Eating disorders are a big problem on college campuses, as you pointed out. I think that girls especially are afraid to gain the "freshman 15" so they develop eating dirorders to avoid it but end up hurting themselves. It's a dangerous disease.
Its funny because you pass so many people in your life time or even ever day and dont really think about what they could be going through. I wish everybody could just becomfortable in their own bodies the way they are. People are far to focused on the way they look rather then the way they act. People have to realize that looks aren't everything having a good personallity is going to get you so much further.
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