STARVATION is a problem all over the world. Millions of Americans are starving, but it's not because they can't get enough food. They are starving themselves. About 1,000 Americans will die this year as a result of eating disorders, and many of them will be college-aged women. Attending college doesn't cause eating disorders. The college environment, however, can worsen or trigger them.
As many as one in 10 college-age women suffer from some form of disordered eating. One of the most common disorders is anorexia, "An intense fear of fat combined with a loss of 15 percent of body weight" (www.self.com/loseweight/disorder/home). It can result in shrunken organs, osteoporosis, heart attacks and, in the most severe cases, death. However, unlike most diseases with biological consequences, this one is caused by predominantly behavioral factors. The other most common eating disorder is bulimia, characterized by bingeing and purging.
Because eating disorders are caused by behavior rather than biology, they are much harder to diagnose, and in many ways to treat, than other diseases. However, because they also are socially influenced, it is possible for eating disorders to be fostered by certain environments.
In many young women with or prone to having eating disorders, a sudden or stressful change can trigger the disease. College can be such a change. While there is no particular "type" that is predisposed to eating disorders, those who suffer from the disorders -- anorexia in particular -- often seek control and a sense of accomplishment.
These are things that college can initially take away. It's difficult to feel in total control of your life if you are uncertain of your surroundings. It often takes time to find your niche in an unfamiliar place, and the search for control can lead some women to excessively restrict their diets. While it isn't true that most people who struggle with the adjustment to college become anorexic, the disease can be triggered or worsened by such a transition.
|
Anorexics often are those who "strive for perfection. They want to be special, to stand out from the mediocre masses. They try to achieve that goal by losing weight and being thin" (www.self.com/loseweight/disorder/home). It is not hard to believe that eating disorders are prevalent at the University, where students are known for dedication and achievement -- seeking perfection -- in and outside of the classroom.
The University also is an appearance-conscience place. From the immaculate grooming of Grounds to the immaculate grooming of most students, appearances matter here. For some students, this makes it harder to accept their perceived imperfections. This can lead to strict dieting which can lead to anorexia if taken too far. The majority of those who diet to lose weight do not become anorexic. However, according to the American Anorexia Bulimia Association, Inc., "The most common behavior that can lead to anorexia, bulimia or binge eating disorder is dieting" (www.aaba.org).
If the number of people running around Grounds at all hours and those who pack the AFC from six in the morning until 12 at night are any indication, fitness also is a focus at the University. Exercise is healthy and generally should be encouraged. But the University is a place where it is easy to hide or justify excessive exercising because it is something that it appears most everyone does.
Because college life has the potential to trigger or worsen eating disorders, members of the University community have a particular responsibility to avoid worsening the problem. Easing the transition to college beyond the first week's icebreakers and resident advisor chats can help. Paying attention to a friend's potentially unhealthy habits and letting her know someone is there for her is important, although forcing her to talk can be counter-productive. The most important thing is to make sure that exercise and attention to appearances does not lead to promoting excessive exercise or drastically restricted eating. None of these things will end eating disorders, but a better understanding of them may make seeking help easier.
The University is, by and large, a healthy place. We shouldn't stop exercising or caring about our appearances. It is, however, important to recognize that an environment full of perfectionists, which places such high value on appearance, can discount the danger and prevalence of eating disorders.
(Megan Moyer's column appears Friday in The Cavalier Daily. She can be reached at mmoyer@cavalierdaily.com.)
Read More
PATEL: Personal development courses support students beyond the gradebook
By Heer Patel | 17 hours agoThe University must rethink its approach to education beyond traditional major-specific requirements and mandate personal development courses.
EDITORIAL: Commercialization threatens U.Va.’s educational mission
By Editorial Board | YesterdayAfter all, measuring the University’s worth in terms of accrued capital, operational efficiency and numerical rankings molds this space into just another cookie-cutter institution.
YOUNIS: Why every U.Va. student should say yes to English
By Ayat Younis | 6 days agoEvery student at the University, regardless of their primary field of study, can professionally and academically benefit from engaging with the English department.
