Know The Signs Of Eating Disorders In College Students

With college students home for the holidays, Dr. Leslie Sanders at Atlantic Health System shares common warning signs, should a parent suspect an eating disorder in their college-aged child.

Eating disorders are a serious medical issue that require professional help. Research from the Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association found that 20 percent of college students said they have or previously had an eating disorder.

And while 91 percent of female college students have attempted to control their weight through dieting, research proves eating disorders exist in both genders as males account for five to 15 percent of patients with anorexia or bulimia.

Sanders, the Medical Director of the Eating Disorders Program at Atlantic Health System, warned parents to look at any difference in weight beyond a few pounds because eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia can develop in college.

“Putting their appearance aside, parents may notice a change in their child’s eating habits,” Sanders said. “They may become a vegetarian. Avoid eating with family and making excuses, such as ‘I already ate or I am going to eat with friends.’ Or even avoid social situations where there is eating.”

Students may also have trouble choosing food from a menu or just order the same small portion of food such as a side salad for a meal.

If you noticed your child is eating the same items every day that do not offer an adequate calorie intake this can be a dramatic shift.

“At first parents may be so happy their child is eating so healthy and not eating snacks,” Sanders said. “But if they are home for the holidays and avoid food completely that is something to look out for.”

Another sign is a change in exercise patterns that may be compulsive.

“Such as if the child becomes upset if anything gets in the way of exercise or refuse to go to church because it interferes with time to exercise. Or exercising in extreme weather such as 25 degrees,” Sanders said.

Bulimia is another issue. When students overeat then vomit or compulsively exercise afterwards.

“A child may show significant weight gain. They will eat normally during the day but when their parents get up in morning they may notice a container of ice cream and whole box of cereal missing. This could be a sign of binging.”

A child may then go into the bathroom and run the water or play music to muffle the sounds of vomitting. Parents may notice food residue on the shower floor or in the sink.

“These could be a potentially dangerous situation,” Sanders said. “Most parents know how their child is eating. They have fed them their whole lives and can notice when losing weight is a problem.”

If parents are concerned they should take their child to their primary care doctor who knows them best. Its important to tell your child why you are taking them to the doctor and also tell the doctor prior to the visit the reason for coming in.

Sanders also stressed to parents to not be afraid to keep a student home from school if they are concerned. When a child does return to school it is important to check in on them to see how they are doing as well.

Dr. Sanders was recently one of the Atlantic Medical Group physicians named a Top Doctor by Inside New Jersey.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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