Eating Disorders on Campus
by Kathy Hoteling, Ph.D.

1. Facts about eating disorders

More than 5 million Americans suffer from eating disorders.
5% of adolescent and young adult women and 1% of men have eating disorders.
15% of young women have substantially disordered eating attitudes and behaviors.
College women between 18 and 22 have higher rates of bulimia than those females younger, not in college, or over 21.

2. What makes the college years so vulnerable for students in terms of the development of eating disorders?

Eating disorders are complex problems with a variety of contributing factors.
College students are particularly vulnerable to eating disorders not only due to the aspects of college environment, but also due to individual characteristics and histories that each student brings to campus.

3. Aspects of the college environment that contribute to eating disorders

The belief that appearance is the key to success in attracting potential dating partners
Competition among females to gain attention of the same men
Access to unlimited food in dining halls
Fear of the dreaded "Freshman 15"
Academic and financial stress
Participation in sports where weight and appearance are perceived to affect success
Some students may resort to eating disorders as a way of coping with the stress associated with the transition to college and the expectations of a new environment
Other students may develop eating disorders as a way of coping with the stress of impending college graduation and the changes implied in that transition
The belief that appearance is the key to success in attracting potential dating partners

4. Sources of help for college students with eating disorders