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| Research indicates that the transition to college is a period during which students are particularly susceptible to the development of eating disorders. |
Oona Hanson, a parent coach in private practice and a family mentor at Equip, an eating disorder treatment program, offers specialized support to parents in fostering a healthy relationship between their children and food and body image.
Sending a child off to college brings a mix of emotions, from excitement to worry—concerns about their departure from home, sleep routines, and friendships, along with apprehensions about the prevailing mental health challenges on campuses. What many parents and guardians might not be aware of is that this crisis encompasses eating disorders. These disorders are severe, life-threatening mental illnesses characterized by disruptions in one's relationship with food, exercise, and body image.
The college transition is a phase during which students are particularly prone to developing eating disorders, and recent research from November 2022 suggests that today's students face a higher risk than ever before.
Dr. Leslie Gee, a primary care physician at the University of California, Berkeley, emphasized the prevalence and impact of eating disorders on students' physical health, mental well-being, social interactions, and academic performance.
While some parents assume their child is immune to eating disorders, the truth is that no young adult is exempt. Eating disorders can affect individuals of all genders and ethnic backgrounds, as Lauren Muhlheim, a clinical psychologist and director of Eating Disorder Therapy LA, points out.
As your family prepares for the move-in day to college, being informed about these conditions and engaging in open discussions can play a vital role in safeguarding your child as they embark on this new phase of life. Here's what you should be aware of.
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| In preparation for move-in day, familiarize yourself with eating disorders to equip your child for their time away from home. |
Concerns about the 'Freshman 15'
When entering their first year of college, the topic of the so-called freshman 15, where students anticipate gaining 15 pounds, often arises. If your child expresses concerns about weight gain or casually mentions the freshman 15, view it as an opportunity to foster connection and attentive listening.
Promoting dieting is not advisable, as it can be a significant trigger for eating disorders. Instead, consider acknowledging their feelings and initiating a more in-depth conversation about unrealistic body standards and the prevailing diet culture. Toby Morris, lead clinical dietitian for students at the University of California, Berkeley, emphasizes the importance of creating an environment without judgment to encourage your child to openly share their worries.
Eating disorder specialist Whitney Trotter, a registered nurse, and dietitian in Memphis, Tennessee, highlights the significance of having open and sincere discussions about body image, the perils of intentional restriction, and the uniqueness of individual bodies. For families from diverse backgrounds, Trotter recommends discussing the impact of assimilation and how BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) bodies navigate the world differently.
If you're unsure about how to address your child's weight-related concerns, Toby Morris suggests using this conversation starter: "I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling worried about this. My priority is for you to fully embrace the college experience, regardless of your body size. What do you think drives our culture's strong fixation on thinness?"
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| Certain college students grapple with the challenge of food insecurity |
Students are expected to experience weight gain
In contrast to societal pressures, college students are expected to undergo weight gain due to being "in a phase of important and ongoing growth and development. This includes the acquisition of bone density, brain growth, and physical development," explained Gee via email.
Parents and guardians can play a role in countering body-shaming messages. Supporting your child involves normalizing "the need to gain weight as bodies mature rather than reinforcing fear about it," added Muhlheim.
One of the most impactful steps parents and caregivers can take, although challenging, is to exemplify body neutrality and embrace body diversity themselves.
Challenges with Food Access Among College Students
Beyond Body Image: Food Insecurity Challenges in College Settings
Eating habits among college students face various hurdles beyond just body image and dieting concerns. A significant issue arises from the limited access some students have to all-you-can-eat dining facilities that offer three meals daily.
According to Sarah Minkow, a registered dietitian at the University of California, Berkeley, "Food insecurity is a major concern for many college students, and it's closely tied to the risk of developing eating disorders."
At times, dining hall meal plans might only cover two meals per day, with no provision for weekends. Even students with the financial capacity to buy food may find themselves on campuses located in food deserts.
To address this, families can guide their young adults to understand the meal plan details and dining hall schedules, while also assisting them in estimating a budget for supplementary food requirements.
Additionally, fostering a practice of keeping nutritious and familiar snacks in the dorm room can serve as an essential precautionary measure, as suggested by Trotter.
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| Engaging in open and honest discussions can provide a safeguard for your child as they embark on this new phase of their journey |
Maintain Open Communication Channels
During the commencement of classes, parents and guardians can establish a routine of maintaining communication with their children through methods like texting or video chats. Trotter recommended approaching conversations with empathy and curiosity, discussing their social interactions and experiences with dining hall food.
Recognizing the potential signs of an eating disorder involves being vigilant for indicators such as weight loss, changes in mood, social withdrawal, or an excessive focus on food, weight, or exercise. If parents or guardians have an inkling that something might be amiss, they should trust their intuition.
While colleges often advise parents to avoid excessive involvement, Muhlheim disagrees in this context. She suggests that parents should not relinquish their roles entirely. Schools might only step in when a problem becomes conspicuous and severe. Parents should rely on their instincts if they suspect their student is grappling with an eating disorder or any other mental health challenge.
Navigating College with an Eating Disorder
If your child heading to college has a history of an eating disorder, they'll require additional support during this transition. The initial step is for families to assess whether the young person is genuinely prepared to live away from home.
"As challenging as this decision may be, I would recommend families to delay sending their child to college until they are firmly in recovery," advised Morris. Collaborating with a treatment team to establish a comprehensive relapse prevention strategy is essential before commencing or resuming college. It often proves beneficial for students to complete information release forms allowing parents and guardians to directly communicate with healthcare providers, as highlighted by Morris.
While it's impossible to prevent every eating disorder, recognizing risk factors and maintaining open communication can have an impact. If your college student does encounter difficulties with an eating disorder or any other mental health issue, it's vital for them to understand that you're there to support them, help them regain their footing, and obtain the assistance they require.
Should concerns arise about your child potentially having an eating disorder, it's crucial to seek evaluation and treatment promptly. Families can access resources and referrals through The National Alliance for Eating Disorders.
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