Eating disorders and body image issues

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Campus Services

You're concerned that you may have a problem with food and your body. Maybe you worry about food, dieting and changing your body more than you'd like. Or maybe a strict exercise regimen is getting in the way of your schoolwork and spending time with friends.

It can be scary to consider talking with a health professional about this problem. it is very normal to feel this way but treatment can help.

There are many treatment options available on and off campus. An intake evaluation at the Counseling Center can help determine what type of services will best help you.

Counseling Center: The Center offers a variety of services for students experiencing eating and body image image issues. Services including assessment and referral, individual and group counseling, Student Bodies, and workshops. 410-704-2512

Student Bodies©: Online Help for Body Image and Eating Concerns

Interview with Dr. Fenton about seeking help (mp3)

Dowell Health Center: Providers at Dowell Health Center provide medical services including eating disorder physicals. Nutrition assessments are also available. 410-704-2466

Off Campus Services

Johns Hopkins Hospital 410-955-3863

Sheppard Pratt Center for Eating Disorders 410-938-5252

Free Area Services

• ANAD Free Eating Disorder Support Group: Mondays 5:30-6:45 p.m.
  Ascension Lutheran Church, 7601 York Road, Towson, MD; 410-337-7772
• Sheppard Pratt Free Eating Disorders Support Group: Wednesdays 7-8:30 p.m.
  Sheppard Pratt Hospital Central Building, 6501 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD;
  410-938-5252
• Largely Positive Support Group; Free Support Group for People of Size:  2nd & 4th Tuesdays 7-8:30 p.m. 5710 Newbury Street, Baltimore 21209; 410-982-9667

Related Resources

Eating Disorders Virtual Pamphlets

Seeking Help for Eating and Body Image Issues Brochure (PDF File)

National Eating Disorders Association

Eating Disorder Screening

Eating Disorders Screening (Self-Assessment)

Campus Events

Body/Language 2008

Body\Image Art Exhibit: Artists React to the Cultural Obsession with the Physical Form 2009

Web sites

Something Fishy

Renfrew

About faces

Eating Disorder Hope

National Eating Disorder Awareness

 Mirror Mirror

Body Positive

We Bite Back

Podcasts

Beyond Skin Deep with Doris Smeltzer

Health At Every Size with Dr. Peggy Elam

Reading Lists

Towson University Counseling Center

Sheppard Pratt Center for Eating Disorders

Renfrew Treatment Center

Self Help

Eating Disorders

Recent studies suggest that 1 in 5 college women struggle with an eating disorder. Signs of eating disorders include: preoccupation with food and thinness, excessive exercise, refusal to eat, noticeable and extreme weight loss, depressed mood, withdrawal from friends, low self-esteem, and negative body image.

Eating disorders impact a wide range of students from heterosexual men, women of color, international students, and sexual minorities.

Anorexia involves an attempt to control one's weight by restricting the amount of food eaten. Anorexia tends to begin during high school or college with an attempt to "lose a few pounds” which then may lead to a tremendous fear of becoming fat. Individuals struggling with anorexia may lose their menstrual periods, feel physically cold often, suffer from dry skin and hair, low blood pressure, and heart difficulties. Concentration can become diminished, impacting a student’s ability to learn and do well in classes. The malnourishment associated with anorexia may lead to death.

Bulimia involves a cycle of uncontrolled eating, or "binging", followed by purging behaviors. Purging behaviors may include: vomiting, the use of laxatives, and excessive exercise. The physical effects of bulimia can be quite serious including damage to tooth enamel, stomach, esophagus, kidney problems, and seizures. Electrolyte imbalances can result in sudden cardiac failure and death.

Binge Eating Disorder is a condition in which people binge on large numbers of calories at one time, but do not purge. Compulsive overeaters feel out of control with their eating habits, and may suffer from low self-esteem and body image. They may eat when they feel stressed, or may binge after attempting to eat normally for a period of time. Because of the secretive nature of their eating, compulsive overeaters often feel isolated, but they may fear being ostracized if others were to find out.

Body Image

Body image is how an individual perceives, feels and experiences her or his body. It involves how you think and feel about your appearance and what it is like to live in your body. Body image exists on a continuum with individuals who largely feel positively about their body at one end of the continuum. These individuals do not tie their self esteem to their pant size or whether they are perceived attractive by others. They base their self esteem on a variety of factors. At the other end of the continuum are those individuals who feel very negatively about their body the majority of the time, experiencing shame related to their appearance. These individuals are more likely to tie their self worth to their body shape and level of attractiveness. People with negative body image are more likely to develop eating disorders.

It is estimated that around eighty percent of all women struggle with their body image. It is also believed that an increasing number of men feel negatively about their bodies. An individual’s body image is impacted by many factors including one’s overall self esteem, relationships and exposure to the media.

There are many ways to improve one’s body image. One strategy is to seek out individual and/or group counseling. An additional strategy involves reading one of the many self-help books available on this topic. See “Eating Disorders and Body Image Readings” section of this website.

Here are some simple helpful suggestions for improving your body image:

Decrease your exposure to media that promotes limited examples of beauty. This includes magazines, television shows, movies, and music videos. If you find yourself feeling badly about your body after watching a certain television show, consider no longer viewing the program. If you feel negatively about your appearance after reading a particular magazine, stop subscribing to the magazine.

Don’t criticize yourself when you look in the mirror. Consider having a different conversation with yourself. Remind yourself of all of the positive qualities you possess including physical and personal attributes. Hang notes around your mirror to remind you of all of your wonderful traits and gifts.

 Challenge the relationship between your self worth and appearance. If appearance is an influence on a person’s self esteem, it should only be a small piece. Find other ways to feel good about yourself other than working on your appearance. Examples include developing enjoyable hobbies, volunteering for a cause important to you, or increasing your knowledge in an area that interests you.

 Wear clothes that you make you feel good about yourself and your body. Fashion trends keep changing in order for the industry to make money. If you don’t feel good about your appearance in the latest trends, finds clothes that help you feel comfortable and pleased with your body.

How to help a friend who may be struggling with an eating disorder:

It can be worrisome to believe that a friend, roommate or loved one may be experiencing an eating disorder. It is important to speak with your friend about your concerns in order to offer support and let the friend know that you care. The following are some suggestions for beginning a conversation.

1. Set a time to talk one on one. Ideally, the conversation should take place when you are both clear-headed and have some privacy.
2. Make it a caring confrontation. Express concern and desire to help.
3. Communicate your concerns clearly. Discuss specific statements and behaviors. Express your concern about your friend's physical and mental health.
4. Avoid conflicts or battles. If your friend denies having an eating disorder, insisting on your concerns will not be helpful.
5. Avoid placing shame or guilt on your friend. Do not shame your friend into admitting to the eating disorder.
6. Assist your friend in getting help. Help him or her make appointments. Provide different options including the Counseling Center, Dowell Health Center and off campus treatment. Consider walking with your friend to appointments.
7. Express your continued support regardless of whether your friend admits to have the eating disorder. Check in regularly.
8. If you are concerned for the student’s safety, seek out assistance immediately. If you live on campus, consider speaking with your RA or another Housing staff member. You may also contact the Counseling Center to determine next steps.

For more information check out the National Eating Disorders Association .