Image by Courtney Emery, via Flickr

Image by Courtney Emery, via Flickr

February 25 through March 3 is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. This is part of a series of postings on the topic brought to you by SUNY Broome Counseling Services.

Although it is widely believed that freshman in college gain significant weight and college resources should be targeted to obesity prevention, the first study of its kind finds otherwise. Using a nationally representative random survey, the researchers found that freshmen gain between 2.5 to 3.5 pounds on average. This is only a half-pound more than their same-age peers who do not attend college. (Zagorsky, 2011) Given the risks that dieting poses, especially to college students, anti-obesity campaigns on college campuses are not only unnecessary but potentially harmful. In a study of 204 female college athletes from 17 sports at three universities, 2% were classified as having an eating disorder and another 25.5% exhibited symptoms at a subclinical level. (Greenleaf, 2009)

Data from one college over a 13-year period show total eating disorders increased from 23 to 32% among females and from 7.9 to 25% among males. The percentage of students eating according to a special weight loss diet increased from 4.2% in 1995 to 22% in 2008. (White, 2011)

Adapted from: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/sites/default/files/CollegeSurvey/CollegiateSurveyProject.pdf

If you are concerned about a friend, family member or yourself, please reach out for help. Counseling Services is located in Student Services Building Room 210 or 778-5210. Off-campus resources include: The Nutrition Clinic (877) 752-1007