Eating Disorders – Awareness is Key

Jess Jolly, LCSW-C 

Director of Counseling services

February is known for many special events that are nestled in the heart of winter’s most bitterly cold days including Valentines Day, Groundhogs Day, Black History Month, Chinese New Year, Heart Health Month, and Carrot Cake Day to name a few. But did you know there is a very important awareness week that should also be added to our calendar?

Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) takes place the last week of February. This year, it is observed from Monday February 24 – March 2. This annual campaign seeks to educate the public about the realities of eating disorders. It also brings visibility and hope to individuals and loved ones impacted by eating disorders.

Eating disorders are serious medical conditions that tend to get worse over time, and can become life-threatening. These disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.  Eating disorders can appear in adolescence and young adulthood with college students being particularly susceptible to eating disorders.

According to the National Eating Disorders Association, it is estimated that 9% of the US population, or 28.8 million Americans will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. Eating disorders impact both males and females and is estimated that lifetime prevalence is 8.60% among females and 4.07% among males. It is also known that members of the LGBTQ+ community are at greater risk for food insecurity, eating disorders, and depression, particularly those who identify as trans males.

In regards to race and ethnicity, a 2019 study found that Hispanic/Latina/o, Black/African American, and Asian Americans are more likely to engage in disordered eating behaviors than their white counterparts. However, youth of color are less than two thirds as likely to receive recommended treatment compared with white youth.

Identifying the signs of an eating disorder in yourself or a loved one can be the first step to receiving  professional help.  According to JED Campus, the following signs may indicate the presence of an eating disorder:

• A hyper focus on weight, food, “clean” or healthy eating, calories, carbs, fat, or dieting.
• Repeatedly eating a large quantity of food, often in secret.
• Frequently trying new weight-loss plans or apps.
• Making excuses, such as “I just ate” or “I’m just not hungry,” to avoid eating together.
• Eating only small portions.
• Preparing separate meals instead of eating with family or at restaurants.
• Increasingly strict eating rules, cutting out specific foods or entire food groups.
• Cooking or baking for others without eating the food.
• Following social-media accounts dedicated to eating, diets, or fitness.
• Forcing vomiting
• Misusing laxatives or other medications to make up for food eaten.
• Exercising multiple times a day, even through bad weather, injury, or illness.

Other signs may indicate a change in emotional and physical well being including:

• Feeling extremely concerned about body size, shape, or weight.
• Becoming defensive or feeling overwhelmed when asked about eating habits or weight changes.
• Mood swings.
• Trying to hide or hold in emotions.
• Talking down about appearance.
• Feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness.
• Spending less time with friends and activities
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Weight loss or weight gain.
• Gastrointestinal problems such as stomach cramps, constipation, or acid reflux.
• Missing periods or having them only while on hormonal contraceptives
• Dental problems such as damaged enamel, excessive cavities, or sensitive teeth.
• Fainting or dizziness
• Constantly feeling cold.
• Trouble sleeping, sometimes due to hunger or fullness pains.
• Dry skin and hair.
• Brittle nails.
• The new growth of fuzzy, fine hair on your body, which is the body’s attempt to stay warm.
• Muscle loss or weakness.
• Increased susceptibility to injury during exercise or daily activities.

The following resources are available for help and support:

• National Alliance for Eating Disorders helpline, which is run by licensed therapists who specialize in eating disorders and can connect you to the right support. Call 866-662-1235 9:00 am – 7:00 pm EST (Monday – Friday)
• Text HEALING to 741-741 for a free, confidential conversation with a trained counselor any time.
• Text or call 988 or use the chat function at 988lifeline.org.
• Free eating disorder screenings are available at https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/screening-tool/
• Eating Disorders Anonymous https://eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

To refer a student for additional services or support please contact Counseling services at 240-895-2159. ProtoCall, our 24/7 Helpline can also be reached at 240-895-4200.

If you are concerned about a student, please consider referring them to the Campus CARE team at the following link: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?StMarysMD&layout_id=11

If you have any questions about helping a student you care concerned about, please refer to the Blue and Gold Folder which can be found at: https://www.smcm.edu/student-affairs/blue-gold-folder/