Eating disorders in students: why it's happening

For most students, college life is a time of great transition and change. It's the time when you have new freedom and responsibilities.

This is where you learn more about life far beyond the classroom. Though college life is a great milestone, eating disorders can easily hijack your life.

They develop, return or even worsen during the college years. These illnesses are prevalent in students aged between 18 and 21. There are several types of eating disorders in students, and they include:

Anorexia nervosa

This eating disorder is characterized by restrictive eating habits and self-induced weight loss. There are underlying psychological factors accompanying it.

They include fear of gaining weight, low self-esteem and an exaggerated view of one's appearance. Long-term anorexia may lead to the disappearance of menstrual cycles and reduced testosterone levels in college students.

Unfortunately, the topic of eating disorders is not fully disclosed, and only a few students know about it. As a student, read essays on eating disorders on GradesFixer for additional information. You will learn about the types of eating disorders like anorexia nervosa.

Free essay samples on eating disorders can be very educational for students. With the right information, you will find different ways to prevent getting this eating disorder. It's a deadly disorder, as most students who suffer from it die of complications like heart problems.

Bulimia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa entails a period of excessive eating, which is followed by regular attempts to reduce caloric intake.

This can be through compensatory behaviours like vomiting, fasting, ingesting laxatives and overexercising. If not treated in its early stages, this eating disorder can lead to severe dehydration, laxative dependence for bowel movements and depression.

Binge eating disorder

Excessive eating patterns characterise this eating disorder. These eating patterns are often accompanied by feelings of shame, lack of control or guilt.

Unlike bulimia, Bbinge eating disorder does not have a purging component. It leads to overweight or obese students. Long-term exposure to this eating disorder leads to poor productivity at work, feelings of isolation and interpersonal problems.

Causes of eating disorders in students

There are numerous reasons why eating disorders are so prevalent among students. A combination of factors can cause a single condition. Below are common causes of eating disorders in college.

Stress and anxiety

There is so much pressure at college to succeed or maintain good academic standing.

This can lead to increased stress, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. Eating disorders are known to coexist with anxiety and depression, and one may exacerbate the other.

Students who are susceptible to anxiety and stress are at risk of getting binge related eating disorders. As a result, the students will likely overeat large amounts of unhealthy foods to alleviate their intense feelings.

Genetics and personality traits

Studies have shown that people with particular genotypes may be predisposed to getting eating disorders.

With these genotypes, you are more likely to develop anorexia and highly likely to develop bulimia if one of the family members has the disorder. In terms of personality, students with obsessive thinking, impulsivity and perfectionism are likely to develop an eating disorder.

Media

Media has been known to perpetuate eating disorders. Students feel influenced by what they perceive as attractive. Others are influenced by what they feel it's an acceptable body type.

For instance, students may take certain meals because their favourite celebrity takes them. Some cultures even portray the "ideal" body type for women as slim. That's why most girls at college develop eating disorders.

Body image and dieting

Most eating disorders often occur in students with low self-esteem. And this stems from negative body image. Dieting is a common trigger for most eating disorders.

You are likely to feel guilt when you accidentally break the diet rule. This will eventually make you feel unhappy with the way you look. Most first year students feel extra pressure to eat a certain diet to avoid gaining weight. This may trigger eating disorders.

Newfound independence

As a first year student, you will likely live independently for the first time. In this case, you have no family or friends to monitor your behavior. For most students, self-examination is always challenging.

That makes it hard to recognize the warning signs of an eating disorder. That said, students need to know how to handle the newfound independence at the college.

Conclusion

Eating disorders are some of the common mental health conditions that affect students.

Without learning more about eating disorders, it will be hard to recognise early warning signs. These are serious medical conditions. Fortunately, they are treatable if detected early.  

Author’s bio

Emma Rundle writes for a leading agency and has a track record that stands out in every aspect. That’s mainly because she does not treat her writing job as something she has to do for the sake of it.

She regards it as her duty and responsibility to help the students who do not have the right skills to write essays, dissertations and term papers.