The Student with Eating Problems

For many people, losing weight is a constant and often frustrating effort. Most people who diet do not develop eating disorders. But for others, the effort to become thin—or to stay that way—can turn into an obsession. In some cases, it can become life threatening. For students who tend to be perfectionists with very high achievement expectations, losing weight may be seen as the first step to improving themselves, or may provide a way to escape from feelings of guilt or worthlessness.

Symptoms to watch for include:

• excessive weight loss in a relatively short period of time
• distorted view of body image
• continuation of dieting although bone-thin
• loss of menstrual periods
• unusual interest in food and strange eating rituals
• obsession with exercise
• binging—consumption of large amounts of food
• serious depression
• disappearance into bathroom for long periods of time

Helpful Actions

Speak directly to the student about your concerns and the behaviors you observe.

Let the student know other qualities/characteristics you appreciate about him or her.

Encourage the student to make an appointment with a professional counselor.

Unhelpful Actions

Giving simple solutions ("If you'd just eat, everything would be fine!").

Trying to control the behavior ("You have to eat something! You're out of control!").

Don't ignore the problem, hoping it will go away; it won't.