In this week’s WOTS, you read about one student’s experience with a much too prevalent, life–threatening disease. Here’s some information on how to recognize if you or a friend is struggling with an eating disorder, quick facts and places to get help nearby.
How to recognize a problem
The current diagnostic criteria for anorexia encompass:
- A restriction of energy intake
- An intense fear of gaining weight
- An undue influence of body weight or shape on self–evaluation
These can manifest in significant weight loss, distorted body image, high levels of anxiety and/or depression and feelings of guilt after eating, among others.
For bulimia, the diagnostic criteria are:
- Eating a lot in a certain time span (e.g., within a two–hour period) with a lack of control during that time
- Recurrent compensatory behavior to prevent weight gain (e.g., purging) at least once a week for three months
- An undue influence of body weight or shape on self–evaluation
Warning signs for bulimia can include binging and purging, visits to the bathroom after meals, excessive and compulsive exercise and high levels of anxiety and/or depression.
Fast facts
- In the US, up to 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from an eating disorder at some time in their life, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder or not otherwise specified
- 42% of first– to third–grade girls want to be thinner
- 91% of women surveyed on a college campus had attempted to control their weight through dieting
- The rate of new cases of eating disorders has increased since 1960
Getting help
- Both student health services (SHS) and counseling and psychological services (CAPS) offer counseling and nutritionists, simply call the main number at SHS (215-746-3535) to schedule a physical exam
- If someone you know is exhibiting signs of an eating disorder, be sure to speak up
