Navigating the College Years
Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating among Collegiate Students: Tips for Parents
By Matthew Zimmerman
Psychologist/Director of Training, U.Va. Student Health — Counseling and Psychological Services
Eating disorders and disordered eating represent a serious concern on college campuses, and one that the University of Virginia is continuing to address through increased education and treatment. Although the prevalence rates of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa on university campuses range generally from 1 to 15 percent, the rate of those individuals exhibiting subclinical disordered eating is substantially higher.
Disordered eating is defined as unhealthy eating behaviors that do not meet full criteria for an eating disorder. Examples are binging and purging or restricting food intake resulting in malnourishment, low weight, and/or a variety of negative health consequences.
According to results of the 2007 National Eating Disorders Screening Program (based on 16,935 students screened), 62 percent of university female students exhibit disordered eating. Approximately 90 percent of eating disorders occur in females, and 95 percent of cases occur between the ages of 12 and 25. In recent years, we have been seeing an increasing trend of male students with eating problems as well.
The University approaches the problem of disordered eating in several ways, including education, outreach, and treatment. The Coalition on Eating Disorders and Exercise Concerns (CEDEC) is a committee composed of students, faculty, and staff who are dedicated to the education and prevention of eating disorders, disordered eating, and weightism. The committee's goals are to promote positive body image and healthy living in mind, body, and spirit, as well as to provide referrals for those in need.
In addition, the students who are professionally trained as Peer Health Educators focus on healthy eating and lifestyle behaviors, and they give presentations to their peers throughout the year.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) also provides outreach to those at risk for disordered eating, referral and consultation services specific to eating problems, a therapy/support group for students working toward recovery, brief individual therapy, and a support group for friends and family of those struggling with eating disorders. CAPS utilizes a multidisciplinary treatment team to discuss high-risk and high-complexity cases.
Additional services, which can include individual psychological treatment and regularly facilitated treatment groups, also are offered by the Women's Center and Ainsworth Clinic.
The following are ways in which parents can support students who are struggling with or at risk for disordered eating:
- Send students positive messages that are not linked to appearance or eating behavior. Your daughter or son may be focused on such issues due to peer influences, yet you can remain the voice that continues to recognize the internal, enduring qualities of your child.
- Be aware of dramatic weight changes in your child. Weight changes are rare in this age group without engaging in disordered eating, and are usually accompanied by increases in social withdrawal, depressed mood, and worsening concentration.
- Find a balance between supporting/nurturing and encouraging independence. Because those struggling with eating difficulties often simultaneously struggle with separating from home and individuating, it can be challenging for parents to foster autonomy.
- Tell your daughter or son that you are concerned, that you care, and would like to help. But please remember that it is not your job to be your son or daughter's therapist, nutritionist, or food and/or bathroom police.
- Offer a lot of support and encouragement. Be aware of what creates anxiety and try to understand what your child feels.
- Encourage seeking out education and treatment if you think it necessary. The University has several ways to access eating disorder information and treatment.
- Know that disordered eating is more than just “a phase.” For most students, disordered eating that is present in late adolescence will remain without education or treatment.
Although it is usually best if a student takes initiative regarding his or her health, parents can contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 434.243.5150, or the U.Va. Coalition on Eating Disorders and Exercise Concerns in the Office of Health Promotion at 434.924.1509 if you are concerned about your son or daughter's relationship to food.
You may also obtain additional information by visiting the Web sites listed in the U.Va. Parents Handbook, Appendix Five, page 92.