college application essay eating disorder

Can I Write About My Eating Disorder In College Essays?

A crucial part of appealing to the college admission board is writing a good personal essay. The topic isn’t limited to anything as long as it’s that student’s personal experience. Some of the well-known compositions found amongst college students are related to family members and the part they played in their life.  Here we will see about Can I Write About My Eating Disorder In College Essays?

Eating disorder is a mental illness that many remain uneducated about, so it’s generally recommended not to write an essay about it. People familiar with various eating disorders have either friends or family who dealt with it or dealt with it themselves. Many people have false assumptions about this mental illness based on loose descriptions shown in TV shows and movies. 

When it comes to writing a college essay, people will recommend a student to write about something that highlights the positive aspects of their lives. It could be about how you solved a difficult problem that you faced during a tough moment, personal growth essays about if anything happened in your life that made you change your beliefs, and many more. The main theme remains that you learned something positive out of it. 

Recovering from an eating disorder can indeed be an amazing topic, but there is no guarantee that everybody would look at it the same way. If a student is determined to write an essay about this topic, they should word it carefully and focus essentially on the recovery part of the eating disorder than the tough times that it put you through. Unfortunately, many people still view mental illnesses as a crucial weakness in a person and you never know who’s going to be the one reading your essay and their personal experiences with the topic. 

As long as you keep the focus of your essay on how powerful your growth out of an eating disorder has been, it can be a good college essay. 

Write about Eating Disorder and Other Mental Illnesses in College Essays

People often suggest against delving into issues that involve mental illnesses to write college essays, it’s often recommended that if you want to include your battle with an eating disorder in your essay, do it in a manner so that it doesn’t remain the focus of the essay. Why do people say that and why is it often recommended not to write about this?

The truth is that even though a student might highlight how much they’re fought to overcome the psychological imbalances in their body, it doesn’t leave a good impression on most college admission boards. Shifting from high school to college is a big deal, and it’s like the first step into adulthood where you won’t be confined to the safety of your home. College is much more stressful and competitive than high school where you have to stay on top of the game to excel in your field. 

A student that holds enough value to the mental illness that they fought to the point where they write about it in their college essay, there is a chance for relapse. College is a stressful environment where even the students that don’t suffer from mental illnesses suffer mental breakdowns. If you put a person who already dealt with that in the past, it’s uncertain how they’d react to this change even if they’re on medication or they’re still getting counseling. 

If a student’s desired college has a high acceptance rate, they could write about their journey recovering from an eating disorder and still get accepted. If they’re aiming for a top school with a less than average acceptance rate, then it’s recommended to choose a topic that sheds most of the light on the positive moments of their life and qualities that show their mental strength. 

Colleges with a low acceptance rate and high graduation rate only choose students who show the determination to thrive under a lot of stress. If a student discusses mental illnesses such as an eating disorder in their essay, there are high chances of them not getting accepted even if they have amazing grades and good references.

You Make The Ultimate Decision

The truth is that some essays surrounding an eating disorder can be well-received by your college of choice. It depends vastly on chance. The chances of getting into a top school with an essay like that are low because many people choose to write about various mental illnesses that they suffered from. 

The bottom line is that it depends on how you word it and how your college admission board will perceive it. Some exceptional writers can word their essays in a captivating way and engage the reader to emotionally tune in to their growth from this eating disorder. They strategically weave how much they grew from their experiences and shed as much positive light as they can upon their character after they overcame their mental health issues. 

There are no restrictions when it comes to writing a personal essay for college. As long as the experience was yours or if you feel strongly about the topic you chose, you’re free to write about it. This is one of the first things your college will look at when they look at your application and it shapes the way they view you as a person. If you’re confident about writing about your eating disorder and believe that it will shed a positive light on your application, you can write about it. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What Eating Disorder Is Common Among College Students?

Anorexia and bulimia are not only common among college students but also two of the most common types of eating disorders globally. College students might also suffer from other types such as BED (Binge eating disorder) and EDNOS (Eating disorder not otherwise specified).

What Should I Avoid Writing In A College Essay?

Students generally avoid writing about controversial topics (such as related to politics), negative experiences they’ve had with high schools and academia in general, and a whole essay dedicated to the awards and achievements you’ve won since you were a child.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, talking about eating disorders in college essays.

Hey everyone, I've struggled with an eating disorder in the past and it's been a significant part of my life. Is it okay to write about it in my college essay? I don't want to risk being seen as 'too personal' or oversharing, but it's played a big role in my growth. Thoughts?

Hello! It's understandable that you might be unsure about discussing such a sensitive topic in your college essay. While it is certainly possible to write about an eating disorder, it's important to consider the way you approach the subject. Admissions officers appreciate honesty and personal growth stories, but you should focus on the lessons you learned, how you overcame the obstacle, and more importantly, how this experience has shaped you as a person.

When writing about your eating disorder, avoid graphic details about your darkest moments, as this might make the admissions reader uncomfortable. Instead, discuss how you sought help, how the experience changed your perspective on self-care and wellness, or how it led you to advocate for mental health awareness in your community.

Additionally, keep the essay focused on the positive aspects of your recovery, personal development, or involvement in helping others. Remember, the goal is to paint a picture of who you are as a person and a potential community member at the college you're applying to.

In summary, you can write about your eating disorder in your college essay, as long as you approach the topic thoughtfully, focus on the positive aspects, and avoid oversharing. Good luck with your application!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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Eating Disorders, Essay Example

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Introduction

Eating disorders affect men and women of all ages, although adolescents tend to be the age group that is more susceptible. This is because, as their bodies are changing, they may feel more pressure by society as well as peer groups to look attractive and fit in (Segal et al). Types of eating disorders include Anorexia, Bulimia and Compulsive Overeating, which can also be related to the first two. The reasons behind Eating Disorder usually stem from a reaction to low self-esteem and a negative means of coping with life and stress (Something Fishy).  Eating disorders are also often associated with an underlying psychological disorder, which may be the reason behind the eating disorder or which may develop from the Eating Disorder itself. Mental health disorders that are often associated with Eating Disorder include Anxiety, Depression, Multiple Personality Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, BiPolar, BiPolar II, Borderline Personality Disorder, Panic Disorder and Dissociative Disorder. The longer a person suffers from ED, the more probable that they will be dealing with another mental illness, most likely Anxiety or Depression (Something Fishy). The eventual outcome of Eating Disorder can be deadly. “Some eating disorders are associated with a 10-15% mortality rate and a 20-25% suicide rate. Sometimes, anorexia, bulimia and compulsive eating may be perceived as slow suicide (Carruthers).” In order to prevent the deadly consequences of Eating Disorder and to prevent it from becoming more pervasive in society, it is necessary to recognize the correct treatment method for this disease.  Traditional treatments have focused on providing risk information to raise awareness of the consequences of Eating Disorder (Lobera et al 263). However, since Eating Disorder is a mental illness, a more effective treatment is one that offers psychological evaluation, counseling and treatment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is emerging as a more robust and effective method that can be used not only to treat Eating Disorder but the associated mental illnesses that may accompany it.

The Problem

Eating disorder is pervasive in society and can have deadly consequences on those that suffer from it. Many time Eating Disorder goes undetected by family members and friends because those suffering will go to great lengths to hide their problem. However, there are some signs and symptoms that can be clues that a person is suffering from some sort of eating disorder. According to Segal, these signs can include:

• Restricting Food or Dieting: A change in eating habits that includes restricting food or excessive dieting. The person my frequently miss meals or not eat, complaining of an upset stomach or that they are not hungry. A use of diet pills or illegal drugs may also be noticed.
• Bingeing: Sufferers may binge eat in secret, which can be hard to detect since they will usually do it late at night or in a private place. Signs of potential bingeing are empty food packages and wrappers and hidden stashes of high calorie junk food or desserts.
• Purging: Those who suffer from bulimia will force themselves to throw up after meals to rid their body of added calories. A sign that this is occurring is when a person makes a trip to the bathroom right after eating on a regular basis, possible running water or a fan to hide the sound of their vomiting. They may also use perfume, mouthwash or breath mints regularly to disguise the smell. In addition to vomiting, laxatives or diuretics may also be used to flush unwanted calories from the body.
• Distorted body image and altered appearance: People suffering from Eating Disorder often have a very distorted image of their own body. While they may appear thin to others, they may view themselves as fat and attempt to hide their body under loose clothing. They will also have an obsessive preoccupation with their weight, and complain of being fat even when it is obvious to others that this is not the case.

There are several possible side effects from Eating Disorders, both physical and psychological. Physical damage can be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the eating disorder and the length of time the person has been suffering from it.  Psychological consequences can be the development of a mental illness, especially depression and anxiety. Some sufferers of Eating Disorder will also develop a coping mechanism such as harming themselves, through cutting, self-mutilation or self-inflicted violence, or SIV (Something Fishy).

Physical consequences of Eating Disorders depend on the type of eating disorder that the person has. Anorexia nervosa can lead to a slow heart rate and low blood pressure, putting the sufferer at risk for heart failure and permanent heart damage. Malnutrition can lead to osteoporosis and dry, brittle bones. Other common complications include kidney damage due to dehydration, overall weakness, hair loss and dry skin. Bulimia nervosa, where the person constantly purges through vomiting, can have similar consequences as Anorexia but with added complications and damage to the esophagus and gastric cavity due to the frequent vomiting. In addition, tooth decay can occur because of damage caused by gastric juices. If the person also uses laxatives to purge, irregular bowel movements and constipation can occur. Peptic ulcers and pancreatitis can also common negative heath effects (National Eating Disorders Association).  If the Eating Disorder goes on for a prolonged time period, death is also a possible affect, which is why it is important to seek treatment for the individual as soon as it is determined that they are suffering from an Eating Disorder.

Once it is recognized that a loved one may be suffering from an Eating Disorder, the next step is coming up with an effective intervention in time to prevent any lasting physical damage or death. The most effective treatment to date is Cognitive-behavioral therapy, an active form of counseling that can be done in either a group or private setting (Curtis). Cognitive-behavioral therapy is used to help correct poor eating habits and prevent relapse as well as change the way the individual thinks about food, eating and their body image (Curtis).

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is considered to be one of the most effective treatments for eating disorders, but of course this depends on both the counselor administrating the therapy and the attitude of the person receiving it.  According to Fairburn (3), while patients with eating disorders “have a reputation for being difficult to treat, the great majority can be helped and many, if not most, can make a full and lasting recovery.” In the study conducted by Lobera et al, it was determined that students that took part in group cognitive-behavioral therapy sessions showed a reduced dissatisfaction with their body and a reduction in their drive to thinness. Self esteem was also improved during the group therapy sessions and eating habits were significantly improved.

“The overall effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy can depend on the duration of the sessions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is considered effective for the treatment of eating disorders. But because eating disorder behaviors can endure for a long period of time, ongoing psychological treatment is usually required for at least a year and may be needed for several years (Curtis).”

  Alternative solutions

Traditional treatments for Eating Disorders rely on educating potential sufferers, especially school aged children, of the potential damage, both psychological and physical, that can be caused by the various eating disorders .

“ Research conducted to date into the primary prevention of eating disorders (ED) has mainly considered the provision of information regarding risk factors. Consequently, there is a need to develop new methods that go a step further, promoting a change in attitudes and behavior in the  target population (Lobera et al).”

The current research has not shown that passive techniques, such as providing information, reduces the prevalence of eating disorders or improves the condition in existing patients. While education about eating disorders, the signs and symptoms and the potential health affects, is an important part of providing information to both the those that may know someone who is suffering from an eating disorder and those that are suffering from one, it is not an effective treatment by itself. It must be integrated with a deeper level of therapy that helps to improve the self-esteem and psychological issues from which the eating disorder stems.

Hospitalization has also been a treatment for those suffering from an eating disorder, especially when a complication, such as kidney failure or extreme weakness, occurs. However, treating the symptom of the eating disorder will not treat the underlying problem. Hospitalization can effectively treat the symptom only when it is combined with a psychological therapy that treats the underlying psychological problem that is causing the physical health problem.

Effectively treating eating disorders is possible using cognitive-behavioral therapy. However, the sooner a person who is suffering from an eating disorder begins treatment the more effective the treatment is likely to be. The longer a person suffers from an eating disorder, the more problems that may arise because of it, both physically and psychologically. While the deeper underlying issue may differ from patient to patient, it must be addressed in order for an eating disorder treatment to be effective. If not, the eating disorder is likely to continue. By becoming better educated about the underlying mental health issues that are typically the cause of eating disorder, both family members and friends of loved ones suffering from eating disorders and the sufferers themselves can take the steps necessary to overcome Eating Disorder and begin the road to recovery.

Works Cited

“Associated Mental Health Conditions and Addictions.” Something Fishy, 2010. Web. 19 November2010.

Carruthers, Martyn. Who Has Eating Disorders?   Soulwork Solutions, 2010. Web. 19 November 2010.

Curtis, Jeanette. “Cognitive-behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders.” WebMD (September 16, 2009). Web. 19 November 2010.

Fairburn, Christopher G. Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Eating Disorders. New York: The Guilford Press, 2008. Print.  

“Health Consequences of Eating Disorders” National Eating Disorders Association (2005). Web. 21 November 2010.

Lobera, I.J., Lozano, P.L., Rios, P.B., Candau, J.R., Villar y Lebreros, Gregorio Sanchez, Millan, M.T.M., Gonzalez, M.T.M., Martin, L.A., Villalobos, I.J. and Sanchez, N.V. “Traditional and New Strategies in the Primary Prevention of Eating Disorders: A Comparative Study in Spanish Adolescents.” International Journal of General Medicine 3  (October 5, 2010): 263-272. Dovepress.Web. 19 November 2010.

Segal, Jeanne, Smith, Melinda, Barston, Suzanne. Helping Someone with an Eating Disorder: Advice for Parents, Family Members and Friends , 2010. Web. 19 November 2010.

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• Eating Disorders

6 Tips for Students Attending College With an Eating Disorder

How to be proactive about eating disorder recovery during the college years..

Posted September 29, 2022 | Reviewed by Gary Drevitch

• What Are Eating Disorders?
• Find a therapist to heal from an eating disorder
• Transitioning to college can be full of challenges that may trigger or worsen eating disorder behaviors.
• Changes in relationships, eating schedule, food access, responsibilities, treatment services, and stressors may require new coping strategies.
• With careful preparation, such as establishing support early on, eating disorder recovery is possible through the college years.

by Gia Marson, Ed.D.

Nourishing your body well is a must during times of transition because growth requires extra physical and psychological energy. College is one of those times.

“Real hope combined with real action has always pulled me through difficult times. Real hope with doing nothing has never pulled me through.” —Jenni Schaefer

Attending college presents a lot of firsts: The first time living away from home, in a new town, with a new routine, and more responsibilities. Coupled with data that eating disorder (ED) prevalence has increased since 2020, new challenges can add to a student's load and potentially trigger or worsen ED behavior. Don’t let that happen to you. Enjoy college and the life transitions ahead by taking steps to ensure you stay on track.

College and recovery

The college years can be incredibly exciting, but they come with the need to adapt, especially when you are struggling with food or in recovery from an eating disorder. There’s ample evidence of long-term consequences if an ED is not treated appropriately or if there are gaps in treatment. Therefore, knowing how to start or sustain a recovery plan is critical to your health.

A recent study showed that from 2000 to 2018, the prevalence of all types of EDs doubled for females and males. Globally, all types of EDs increased from around 15 years of age and remained at a peak until around 30, with a slow decline seen after age 35.

Changes come with challenges

Recognizing the risks you may face during your time at college can help you cope. With ample preparation and realistic actions, you can avoid setbacks—or bounce back from them more quickly. While every person has a unique recovery journey, some potential areas of difficulty may include:

• Creating a schedule that works with your recovery habits.
• Accessing food based on dining halls, meal plans, or your own preparation.
• Navigating new relationships, boundaries , living environments, and responsibilities.
• Adapting to different treatment settings and providers.
• Combating feelings of insecurity.
• Missing family meals or your home-based support system.
• Independent time management of academics, activities, sleeping , and socializing.
• Establishing a sense of belonging.
• Dealing with urges to isolate, binge eat, purge, over-exercise, or skip meals.
• More opportunities for negative, social, and body comparisons.
• Tuning in to yourself, despite less privacy.
• Identifying it when the need arises for new coping skills.

"[J]ust wanted to send out some encouragement to everyone out there struggling with weight or body issues or emotional eating …it’s never too late to start improving yourself and trying to be the best version of YOU possible. It’s not a race and it’s not a competition ..." —Rebel Wilson

Tips for sustaining recovery

Start by imagining that recovery is possible for everyone, and that includes you. Hope makes it easier to be flexible, to adapt, and to get back up after a recovery slip. There are real actions you can take to set yourself up for success in your college recovery.

"Asking for help is never a sign of weakness. It’s one of the bravest things you can do. And it can save your life." —Lily Collins

• Ensure you have support. If you have an eating disorder, professional guidance gives you the comfort of knowing that someone understands what you are facing and that you are well supported. Though universities often have limited resources, they almost always have strong ties with local ED therapists, dietitians, primary care doctors, and psychiatrists. Your college counseling center is an excellent resource for community referrals.
• Make a specific plan for eating at college. College schedules vary from day to day, so being proactive is vital. If you are living in a dorm, when will you have meals and snacks based on the breaks in your academic schedule, considering the hours and locations of various dining options that take your meal plan? If you live in an apartment, have you made a list of meals and snacks that are quick and easy to prepare or pick up? Avoid skipping meals or going long stretches without food because getting too hungry can trigger ED thoughts and behaviors.
• Set exercise limits. There are a lot of ways to exercise on college campuses, so choose what you enjoy or try something new. You will probably be walking or biking a lot—which may be all you need for a mental health boost and a good level of fitness. If compulsive exercise is a behavior that interferes with your being well nourished, discuss coping strategies ahead of time with someone who knows your recovery goals or your relapse prevention plan. Deciding on explicit limits for exercise will help you know if you go beyond them. And if you exceed your limit, do not keep it a secret.
• Maintain positive relationships. Meaningful connections with others (and with yourself) is a key to recovery. When you find yourself getting stuck in ED thoughts or actions, reach out to chat or spend time with people. Your relationships can provide support when you need it and let fun into your life. So, when you have downtime, invest in nurturing your relationships, not the ED. This includes noticing when you could use some nurturing yourself, such as rest, quiet, exercise, or tuning in.
• Build a multidimensional life. Being at college is an ideal time to expand yourself. There is a wide range of opportunities for relationships, involvement, learning, and growth. In stark contrast, being immersed in an eating disorder is limiting, isolating, and tiresome. That’s why making your life bigger, more meaningful, and more dynamic helps shift your attention to things that matter more. Instead of spending time in a mental obsession with food, weight, or shape, cultivate other, more interesting aspects of your identity .
• Keep your body regulated. Not getting adequate sleep, being too stressed, or feeling sick can interfere with eating well because of dysregulated hormones , mood, and hunger and fullness cues. Keep in mind that there are natural, negative consequences to pushing beyond your body’s limits. Sleep deprivation and intense stress have a physiological impact on appetite and satiety. Therefore, take time to sleep well, unwind from especially stressful days, and heal from any illness.

"As scary as this can be I want you to know no matter how broken you feel, and how seemingly unlikely it is, we are never too broken to heal." —Jonathan Van Ness

Being in recovery during college requires honesty and hope. Recognize your challenges early on and identify a personal coping plan to deal with and overcome them. A proactive approach can make your time at college intellectually, emotionally, relationally, and developmentally transformative. Don’t let an ED shut you down at a time when your world should be opening up.

Boughton, K., Boyle, S., O’Byrne, R., & Lumley, M. (2021). Transitioning to University with a mental illness: Experiences of youth and their parent. Journal of Adolescent Research, 1–27. https://doi.org/10.1177/07435584211014842

Byrom, N., Batchelor, R., Warner, H., & Stevenson, A. (2022). Seeking support for an eating disorder: A qualitative analysis of the university student experience—accessibility of support for students. Journal of Eating Disorders, 10, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-022-00562-5

Galmiche, M., Déchelotte, P., Lambert, G., & Tavolacci, M. (2019). Prevalence of eating disorders over the 2000–2018 period: A systematic literature review. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 109(5), 1402–1413. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqy342

Santomauro, D., Melen, S., Mitchison, D., Vos, T., Whiteford, H., & Ferrari, A. (2021). The hidden burden of eating disorders: An extension of estimates from the global burden of disease study 2019. Lancet Psychiatry, 8(4), 320–328. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(21)00040-7

Gia Marson, Ed.D. , and Danielle Keenan-Miller, Ph.D ., are co-authors of The Binge Eating Prevention Workbook .

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Common Application: Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are becoming more and more common in teenagers and even adults these days, on account of societys idea of the perfect body. The spread of this devastating mental disease has reached every corner of the world and affects millions of young men and women. The point of this essay is to explain the types of eating disorders there are, the effects of these eating disorders, the harsh effect that the media has on a young persons mind, and my personal battle with this disease that came, destroyed a lot of things, and never really left. There are many types of eating disorders, the most common eating disorders though are Anorexia-Nervosa and Bulimia-Nervosa. Anorexia nervosa is when a person is overwhelmed by the irrational fear of gaining weight, distorted body self-perception and they tend to restrict their diet to very small portions of food, if at all. This eating disorder is more commonly found in women but can also be found in men. Anorexia effects your mind in so many ways that many people claim to not know who they are anymore, they feel as if they’ve lost themselves in the disease and become obsessed with it. Anorexia is thought of as the “incurable disorder” because many people never completely recover from this disorder, they only learn how to manage it well, after many many years of rehabilitation and therapy. The obsession that comes with this disorder completely over takes the persons life, a scale becomes their worst enemy and food becomes a monster they are constantly fighting. Mentally, this disorder wears a person down, until they start developing other mental disorders such as depression or even schizophrenia. The mental effects that this disorder has is only the half of it, the effects it physically leaves are awful as well. Typically, a person who develops this disorder and lives with it for a long period of time with eventually become very weak and frail, their hair becomes thin and tends to fall out, they stop menstruating and because of this their bones will lose their density and be very easy to break. It’s also common for someone to become addicted to drugs or alcohol. There is nothing beautiful about this disease, there is nothing good about this obsession and in the end, the person is never happy with their “progress” anyway. Eventually they will wither away to nothing simply because they never think they’re thin enough. (nimh.nih.gov) The other common eating disorder that people suffer from is Bulimia-Nervosa, this disorder is the act of binging and purging, or eating large sums of food in a short period of time, and then ridding the body of the food, often by throwing up or with laxatives. This disease, while is similar to Anorexia, has its own physical effects and mental effects that are just as deadly. A person who suffers from this disease will often lock themselves in a room by themselves, to binge in private. The differences between the two disorders are the way the food is consumed, how much, and how the diseases differ in terms of being noticeable. The food consumed when the person is diagnosed with Anorexia tends to cut their food up into very small pieces, and very very small portions of food, while a person with Bulimia tends to consume large bites of food, and in large quantities. People with bulimia tend to also be able to hide their disease better, because even in the most desperate attempts of ridding their body of the food, they’re still taking some calories in. This doesn’t mean the bulimia is a safer eating disorder or that it’s better. Both of these disease can ruin a persons life in a very short period of time, and it also can ruin the lives of people around them. Eating disorders don’t only effect the person who has it, it also effects the ones that love them, constantly putting them in fear that you could die or severely hurt yourself. These diseases are like hurricanes or tornados. They come through and cause so much destruction. When they pass, there is still so much damage and there is lots of work that needs to be done to fix things, but they’ll never be the exact way they were before. (nimh.nih.gov) There is an overwhelming idea that the media has loads to do with the growing epidemic that is eating disorders. The media uses sex and the idea of the perfect body in the media to get their point across, even in car commercials you never see a heavier person driving, or the average sized 40 year old man. There is always that constant reminder that one has the perfect body and the perfect smile and the viewer doesn’t. Women in the media are often shown in skimpy clothing, and they’re very fit. Clothing models and runway models are never plus sized. Even fictional characters are thin and beautiful. The idea of the perfect body is constantly flashed in front of our faces, all the time. There is never an add on the TV for being happy with yourself, but there is plenty of exercise equipment and diet pills for sale. A survey was done at Yale, and 4,000 students said they would rather give up a year of their life than be fat, and a large percent of them stated that they would try diet pills, if they felt like they should. 91% of women surveyed on a college campus had attempted to control their weight through dieting. 22% dieted “often” or “always.” Market data estimates that the total U.S. weight loss market was worth $55.4 billion in 2006 and is constantly growing at a very rapid rate. Think about that, all that money is going into paying a person who is fit and beautiful, to tell you that a little pill can make you thin and happy. There’s something very suspicious about that, and I find it very hard to believe that the people in the ads got their 6 pack from swallowing a pill. The media is harder on our minds than we realize, and with it being such a large part of our culture and our lifestyle here in America, we don’t even register that the media is making such a big impact on the younger minds of today. In a survey of girls 9 and 10 years old, 40% have tried to lose weight, according to an ongoing study funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Right there is a reason that we should be more concerned with trying to prevent eating disorders, and distorted ideas of body image in the younger generations. By the time girls reach the age of 17, 78% of them are unhappy with the way their bodies look and want to change it. 42% of 1st-3rd grade girls want to be thinner. These statistics are the sad reality behind the growing danger of eating disorders, and how they even effect the younger children as well. The media will probably never stop portraying women as thin beautiful people, all the time, but that doesn’t mean people can’t try to help younger people grow up to understand the truth behind the media, the magical effects of photoshop and make up, and the truth behind the “perfect women.” There isn’t one. (anad.org & healthpsych.psy.vanderbilt.edu) My personal experience isn’t well known. Very few people know about my eating disorder, other have their own suspicions. This will be the first time telling my story so openly, but hopefully not my last. I would love for my story to help someone with their own disorder, but I know in my heart that an unfinished story can’t help someone, only influence them to at least make it as far as I have. I haven’t recovered from my eating disorder, I still struggle on a daily basis with food and my self confidence. Thankfully though, I think I’ve escaped my darkest days. I remember this moment very distinctly, because it was the first time I ever really thought I was fat. I was in 6th grade, and I was on a dance team. The night that we were supposed to perform, I wore a crop top type costume, I remember looking down at my body and not liking what I saw. Things progressed slowly from there and then eventually exploded into a full blown obsession. I suffered from Anorexia-Nervosa and reached my lowest weight, in 8th grade of 78 Lbs. Being only 5’2’’ at the time, people automatically assumed that I would be very petite. On a daily basis I was consuming so few calories that I tended to become light headed and tired all the time. Physically, I just looked worn out, mentally I was worn out, and I was tired of the stress that I was facing. I decided to chose between the things that were most important in my life, and decided that I would have to stop giving at least one thing less attention. Of course, I wasn’t going to give up my eating disorder, it was impossible, so I decided that school was the last thing on my list of things to care about, and I began to fail all my classes. History and English were my two favorite subjects, and I completely stopped trying in everything I did. The assignments we got were never that challenging for me, I just didn’t care enough to try and complete them. I put papers in my locker so they could sit there until I got sick of looking at them, rubrics for projects were thrown in the trash and my projects were mediocre quality. I knew I could do a lot better, but I wasn’t applying myself at all. What changed my life at this point was my fathers divorce, he was going through his own hard time, and left decision making up to me, I chose to move. I was desperate for something to change, and I was also desperate to “fix myself” before I started at a new school. I became obsessed with self help books and websites, equally as obsessed with helping myself, as I was with destroying myself. Eventually I did talk to someone. I tried at home treatment, because I refused to go to a center, I started to overcome my eating disorder and things seemed to get a little better. The time came to move, and obviously I wasn’t going to be able to take my therapist with me, so I stopped treatment, and I moved on with my life. To this day I still see signs of my disorder, haunting the back of my mind. I have my bad days when I won’t eat anything, or days when I feel ashamed of myself because of the things that I did eat, but there are always struggles that come with making progress. I hope to eventually be able to say that I did beat my demons, and that I’m happy with the direction my life is going. Until then, I’ll be fighting my demons and hopefully helping people understand these deadly mental diseases and the effects that the world has on young men and women.

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Eating Disorders on College Campuses in the United States: Current Insight on Screening, Prevention, and Treatment

Anne c. grammer.

1 Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Mailstop 8134-29-2100, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA

Ellen E. Fitzsimmons-Craft

Olivia laing, bianca de pietro, denise e. wilfley.

AUTHORS’S CONTRIBUTION

Background:

Eating disorders are prevalent on college campuses and pose significant risks to student health, well-being, and academic performance. However, few students receive access to evidence-based prevention and treatment.

The present review synthesizes the recent literature on ED screening, prevention, and treatment approaches on college campuses in the United States. We provide an overview of ED screening efforts on college campuses, including relevant screening tools, summarize the extant literature on prevention programming, as well psychological and pharmacological treatment approaches, and outline limitations of current programming and provide future directions for research.

Conclusion:

Recent advances in ED screening, prevention, and treatment efforts highlight the importance of early detection and intervention. Innovative approaches to screening and dissemination of evidence-based prevention and treatment programs on college campuses are warranted. Implications for future research are discussed.

1. INTRODUCTION

An estimated 11% to 17% of females and approximately 4% of males on college campuses in the United States screen positive for clinical ED symptoms [ 1 ]. Further, 20% to 67% of college students experience subthreshold ED symptoms [ 1 – 3 ]. The transition from adolescence to young adulthood is a high-risk period for the development and persistence of EDs and unhealthy weight control behaviors [ 4 , 5 ]. Indeed, the median age of ED onset (i.e. ages 18–21) [ 6 ] coincides with the typical age of college enrollment, and weight-related behavior changes are salient during the college years [ 5 , 7 ]. Delayed detection and treatment of EDs have negative long-term medical consequences ( e.g ., bradycardia, gastrointestinal disorders, metabolic syndrome, hypo/hypertension, over-weight/obesity) [ 8 – 11 ], which may contribute to disease progression and the overall economic burden of EDs [ 12 ]. Further, EDs have some of the highest mortality rates of mental health disorders [ 13 ] and are associated with impaired education attainment [ 14 ] and psychosocial functioning [ 15 ], which may significantly impact student quality of life. There is also a burgeoning body of research on the identification of etiological factors involved in EDs (e.g., genome-wide association studies, gut microbiome) [ 16 – 18 ]. However, much of this work has focused exclusively on anorexia nervosa (AN), and the application of these findings to precision medicine remains unclear at present.

Despite the prevalence and deleterious effects of EDs, current screening, prevention, and treatment efforts on college campuses in the United States are lacking. One study found that only 20% of college students who positively screen for an ED report receiving treatment in the past year [ 1 ]. Further, several challenges preclude implementation of evidence-based ED programming on college campuses, such as understaffing and the rapidly rising student demand for mental health services [ 19 ]. Indeed, the average student to counselor ratio is 1731:1, thereby highlighting the limited capacity of counseling centers to deliver effective care [ 1 ]. Taken together, these findings underscore the need to implement ED screening, prevention, and treatment on college campuses to expand access to evidence-based care. The present review aims to synthesize the recent literature on ED screening, prevention, and treatment approaches on college campuses. Specifically, we aim to: 1) provide an overview of relevant screening tools to facilitate ED assessment and three prominent screening programs; 2) summarize the extant literature on prevention and psychological and pharmacological treatment approaches, including evidence-based in-person interventions and digital interventions; 3) outline limitations of current programming and provide future directions for research.

2. RELEVANT SCREENING TOOLS

Various self-report screening tools have been utilized to assess ED risk on college campuses ( Table 1 ). Among these screening tools, the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) [ 20 ], the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) [ 21 ], the SCOFF [ 22 ], and the Stanford-Washington University Eating Disorder Screen (SWED) [ 23 ] are some of the most commonly used assessments in large screening studies on college campuses [ 24 ]. These measures have been shown to haveadequate psychometric properties in college populations [ 1 , 23 , 25 , 26 ]. Currently, there is a lack of consensus on a preferred screening tool for college populations, as the goals of ED screeners vary considerably. Fitzsimmons-Craft and colleagues note that the goal of screening should drive screener selection [ 24 ]. If the goal is to determine if students are at risk for an ED or not, the EAT-26 may be the most inclusive and simple screening tool to use. If there is more interest in examining the frequency of different ED-related behaviors in a student population, the EDE-Q may be a good option. Considering its brevity, the SCOFF could easily be implemented with other health screenings. Finally, the SWED may be the best option for colleges and universities interested in grouping students into ED risk and diagnostic categories.

Common assessments used to screen college students for EDs [ 2 , 3 ].

3. ONGOING SCREENING EFFORTS ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES

Multiple large-scale studies have aimed to disseminate some of the aforementioned screening tools on college campuses through various recruitment strategies, including population-wide surveys, solicited screenings (e.g., advertising at student health centers), and simple randomization of selected students [ 24 ]. However, college surveillance data indicate that only 45% of colleges provide ED screening once per semester or year, and 22% provide year-around ED screening [ 27 ]. Screening efforts are crucial in closing the treatment gap because they can mobilize help-seeking behavior by providing students with accurate feedback on their ED risk profile and connecting them to available treatment options. Here, we summarize two research programs focused on ED screening on college campuses (i.e. the Healthy Body Image Program and the Healthy Minds Study). Next, we comment on the availability of ED screening to college students in the “real world,” as offered through the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA).

3.1. The Healthy Minds Study (HMS)

HMS is a web-based survey that examines mental health and service usage in college students [ 27 , 28 ]. The survey uses the SCOFF to measure ED symptoms along with other measures that assess the presence of additional mental health diagnoses. The study has a broad reach across many campuses, with over 300 participating schools and around 300,000 respondents. A randomly selected sample of students at each university are invited to participate, and 16% to 29% of selected students typically elect to take the survey [ 27 , 28 ]. In a 2018–2019 survey, HMS found that 13.5% of women and 6.2% of men screened positive for an ED [ 27 ].

3.2. Healthy Body Image (HBI) Program

HBI uses an online platform to identify university students at low risk for, high risk for, or with current subthreshold or threshold ED diagnosis [ 29 , 30 ]. Based on the clinical profile, students are directed to a tailored, online cognitive-behavioral program or provided with a referral for in-person care as follows: 1) “Low risk” individuals are offered StayingFit, a universal preventive intervention, which targets increased fruit/vegetable consumption, weight/shape concerns, healthy weight management for students with normal weight, and weight loss for students with overweight [ 31 ]; 2) “high risk” individuals are offered StudentBodies-Targeted, a targeted preventive intervention, which addresses ED risk and symptom onset [ 32 , 33 ] (see “ Prevention ”). Students with a subthreshold or threshold ED other than AN are offered Student Bodies-Eating Disorders (SB-ED), an online cognitive-behavioral guided self-help treatment program that targets symptom progression [ 34 ]; 4) Students with possible AN are referred to in-person treatment services on their campus.

HBI was disseminated at 28 universities as part of a randomized controlled trial [ 30 ]. Over the course of 3 years, 4,894 students completed the screen, which used the SWED, representing an average of 1.9% of undergraduate females on each campus. About 60% of participating students were indicated to be at high risk for or to have an ED. These rates are higher than the proportion of ED-indicated students in the HMS, which was implemented as a population-level survey, whereas the HBI survey used self-selection recruitment methods (e.g., flyers, social media postings), which appear to have attracted students with elevated levels of eating pathology. Notably, high rates of uptake were demonstrated for students who were offered online interventions within HBI. For example, 83% of those screening positive for a clinical ED, other than AN, who were offered an online intervention began the mobile program, while only 28% of those randomized to receive a referral to usual care sought treatment over the 2-year follow-up period (Fitzsimmons-Craft et al. under review).

3.3. National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Screener and the Collegiate Survey Project

NEDA, the leading U.S.-based non-profit organization for eating disorders awareness, offers a web-based ED screener for self-directed assessment of ED symptoms using the SWED. In a recent study that examined the screening results among 71,362 respondents (primarily college-aged women), the majority (86.3%) screened positive for an ED [ 35 ]. However, only 3% of those who screened positive for an ED were currently in treatment, thereby demonstrating the great potential for screeners to connect individuals with information about accessing interventions.

Taken together, large-scale studies have demonstrated the feasibility of using a range of screening tools to assess ED risk in college-aged populations. However, studies highlight the need to capitalize on post-screening opportunities in order to link respondents to evidence-based care.

4. PREVENTION

ED prevention programs are effective in mitigating ED risk through early detection and intervention. We summarize the approaches and efficacy of two evidence-based prevention programs that have been used with college women, The Body Project and Student Bodies.

4.1. The Body Project

The Body Project is a dissonance-based ED prevention program for high school and college-aged women that targets two prominent ED risk factors, thin-ideal internalization and body dissatisfaction [ 36 ]. The Body Project applies persuasion principles to facilitate cognitive conflict between endorsed ED attitudes and criticism of the thin-ideal. Consequently, dissonance is posited to reduce subscription to ED attitudes and subsequent engagement in ED behaviors [ 36 ]. Recent meta-analytic findings indicate that dissonance-based ED programs demonstrate more robust effects than non-active and active controls [ 37 ]. Specifically, participation in The Body Project is associated with short- and long-term reductions in core ED risk factors (e.g., thin-ideal internalization, body dissatisfaction, negative affect) [ 38 – 40 ], ED symptoms (e.g., binge eating and purging) [ 39 – 41 ], and the prevention of future onset of EDs and obesity [ 42 ]. Further, participation in the Body Project is associated with less frequent use of mental-health services, demonstrating the effectiveness of connecting students with early access to care [ 42 ].

Barriers to the dissemination of the Body Project on college campuses include the lack of available clinicians to deliver the prevention program, and even when clinicians are available, there may be high turnover [ 43 ]. To address these limitations, Stice and colleagues developed an internet intervention, eBody Project, which is a 3-week, standalone intervention that does not involve monitoring from a clinician. Pilot data indicate that eBody Project demonstrated similar effect sizes in reductions in ED risk factors and symptoms compared to the group-based version [ 43 ]. However, these effects were more robust in the group-based intervention at 1- and 2-year follow-up [ 44 ]. Additionally, recent data suggest that ED onset over 4-year follow-up was marginally lower among students who received an in-person, peer-led version of the Body Project compared to students who received the eBody Project intervention [ 45 ].

4.2. Student Bodies-targeted

The limited long-term effects of eBody Project may suggest the need to include clinicians as part of digital programs to monitor symptoms, encourage engagement, and tailor the intervention for non-responders. Student Bodies-targeted is an online, cognitive-behavioral prevention program for students at high risk for EDs. Students complete 8 online modules that focus on addressing shape and weight concerns, improving body image and healthy weight regulation, reducing ED symptoms, and providing psychoeducation on EDs [ 33 ]. Students are also asked to engage in therapist-monitored discussion forums in order to reinforce the weekly material. Results from RCTs indicate that Student Bodies-targeted is associated with 2-year reductions in ED risk factors (e.g., shape and weight concerns) and decreases the risk of ED onset in some high risk participants [ 32 , 33 ]. Among students with comorbid depressive symptoms and ED pathology, Student Bodies-targeted was more efficacious in addressing depressive symptomology than control [ 46 ]. Prevention programs, such as The Body Project and Student Bodies-targeted, are promising methods for identifying students at high risk for EDs and connecting them to further assessment and treatment.

5. TREATMENT

5.1. in-person psychological interventions.

Significant research advances on treatments for EDs have been made in recent years [ 47 ], and psychological treatments are considered primary treatments for EDs [ 48 ]. Various international clinical guidelines recommend individual or guided self-help cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which targets cognitions and behaviors that maintain an ED, as an evidenced-based treatment for adults with bulimia nervosa (BN), binge eating disorder (BED), and subclinical BN and BED [ 48 ]. National guidelines also recommend interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), which targets the interpersonal context that contributes to the development and maintenance of EDs, as an evidence-based treatment for BN/BED [ 49 ]. Indeed, CBT and IPT demonstrate equivalent long-term improvements in binge eating [ 50 ]. Conversely, meta-analytic findings have not identified a well-supported evidence-based psychological treatment for adults with AN [ 51 – 53 ]. Research in pediatric populations suggests that family-based treatment for AN (FBT), which harnesses family support in ED recovery, is a leading evidence-based psychological treatment for children and adolescents with AN [ 54 – 56 ], and this approach has also been adapted for young adults (ages 16–25) [ 57 , 58 ]. Given that many students still dependent on their parents during the transition to adulthood, FBT adapted for transition age youth (FBT-TAY) may be a viable treatment option for college students with AN [ 58 ]. Preliminary findings from the first open trial [ 58 ] suggest that FBT-TAY is acceptable to young adults with AN, as evidenced by preferential selection of FBT-TAY over treatment as usual by approximately 70% of the participants. Further, participants demonstrated improvements in ED symptoms and achieved weight restoration following treatment and follow-up. These preliminary findings suggest that FBT-TAY may be a promising treatment option for transition age youth with AN. However, rigorous RCTs are needed to assess the efficacy in college populations.

Despite the promising body of research on treatment approaches, the implementation and dissemination of evidence-based psychological treatments on college campuses is a significant challenge [ 59 ]. Importantly, in one report, 60% of surveyed university college counseling centers reported offering year-round access to a counselor specializing in EDs, demonstrating the challenge many universities face in offering evidence-based treatment for EDs to the many students in need [ 60 ]. Further, perceived barriers such as stigma, the time-intensive nature of in-person interventions, and the financial costs of treatment may deter student engagement with in-person care [ 59 , 61 ]. Given these limitations, there is a dire need to develop innovative strategies in order to increase access to treatment on college campuses [ 62 ].

5.2. Digital Psychological Interventions

Digital interventions may represent one viable solution for maximizing access to care and reducing the burden associated with in-person interventions. As summarized by a recent review of meta-analytic findings on mental health digital programs [ 63 ], digital programs for EDs are effective in reducing ED symptoms, with effect sizes in the small to moderate range. A common theme among the reviewed studies was the use of internet-based, CBT guided-self-help (iCBT). Evidence suggests that iCBT is associated with reductions in BN and BED symptoms, including abstinence from binge eating and purging at post-treatment and follow-up [ 64 – 66 ]. Moreover, some [ 67 – 69 ] but not all [ 70 ] studies found that iCBT sustains these improvements more than bibliotherapy [ 69 ] or waitlist control [ 67 – 69 ].

Overall, digital ED programs demonstrate improvements in ED symptoms, with evidence supporting iCBT. However, intervention engagement remains a significant challenge [ 71 ]. Future research is needed to develop strategies that promote continued engagement with digital treatment programs. Future work should investigate whether tailored interventions that further tailor treatment according to an individual’s risk profile (e.g., symptom severity, demographics) or that utilize sensor detectors to provide momentary feedback and intervention (e.g., just in time adaptive interventions) may address the problem of intervention engagement.

5.3. Pharmacological Treatment

Psychological treatment, including in-person and guided self-help, is considered first-line treatment for EDs according to both international and national guidelines [ 48 , 72 ]. However, given the chronicity of EDs, psychotropic medications are often used clinically as part of multimodal approaches to ED treatment [ 73 ]. We review the extant literature on the efficacy of pharmacological treatments for EDs.

For the treatment of AN, a series of RCTs identified antidepressants and atypical antipsychotics as the most investigated pharmacological interventions [ 74 ]. Clinically, these medications are used to reduce the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors and to facilitate weight restoration [ 75 ]. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence that weight gain occurs; and while psychiatric symptoms may reduce slightly, there is minimal impact on symptoms of AN specifically [ 76 ]. To date, the efficacy of pharmacotherapy for AN is inconclusive, and rigorous RCTs are needed to further evaluate their benefit to treatment [ 74 ].

For the treatment of BN and BED, only two psychotropic medications (i.e. fluoxetine for BN and lisdexamfetamine for BED) have been approved by US and international regulatory boards [ 77 ]. Findings from meta-analyses and reviews indicate that both medications have a good benefit-risk ratio [ 78 ] and result in short-term improvements in core ED psychopathology (e.g., bingeing and purging) compared to placebo [ 79 – 81 ]. However, there is a paucity of data to support their long-term efficacy beyond active treatment periods [ 82 – 85 ]. Findings from the longest maintenance trial of fluoxetine indicate that continued use of fluoxetine following an open-label trial is associated with lower relapse rate compared to placebo at 3-month follow-up [ 83 ]. However, relapse rates did not differ at 6- and 12-month follow-up. Only one study has examined the longer-term effects of lisdexamfetamine for moderate to severe BED. Similarly, results indicated that those who continued to take lisdexamfetamine over 6 months were 11 times less likely to relapse compared to placebo. Longer follow-up periods are warranted to evaluate the long-term efficacy of pharmacotherapy for BN and BED.

Few RCTs have compared fluoxetine and lisdexamfetamine to psychological interventions. Extant trials on BN and BED indicate that combined psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy are only superior compared to pharmacotherapy treatment alone but not compared to psychotherapy alone [ 79 , 86 , 87 ]. Evidence also suggests that individual CBT results in greater reductions in binge eating frequency [ 88 ] and abstinence from binge eating up at 2-year follow-up compared to drug alone [ 89 ]. Thus, pharmacological treatment may demonstrate modest improvements in ED symptoms when used as part of a multimodal approach to care. More data are needed to evaluate long-term improvements in ED symptoms and prevention of relapse. Further, given that these trials were conducted in adult samples, future research should also evaluate the safety and efficacy of pharmacological interventions in college-aged populations.

6. DISCUSSION

Considerable efforts have been made to reduce the prevalence of EDs on college campuses through implementation and dissemination of evidence-based screening, prevention, and treatment. However, we have identified several limitations of extant programming that warrant future research. Evidence supports the feasibility of using a range of screening tools to assess ED risk among college students. However, campuses seldom implement screening programs, and few screeners directly connect students with ED prevention and treatment programs. Future research should prioritize streamlining the process from screening to intervention in order to close the treatment gap. ED prevention programs are effective in mitigating ED risk through early detection and intervention and may offset the costs of treatment. The cost-effectiveness of prevention programs should be evaluated in order to make recommendations to college counseling centers and stakeholders regarding their wide-scale dissemination. Moreover, although considerable research has been dedicated to the evaluation of evidence-based treatment approaches, dissemination is limited. Digital programs may be a viable solution to increasing access to care on a population level, although sustained engagement can be a challenge, which future research will need to address. Further, given the dearth of data on pharmacological treatments in college populations, it would be useful for future studies to specifically examine potential efficacy of pharmacotherapy in college-age populations. Last, as relevant etiological factors are identified as being involved in the pathophysiology of EDs, future research should explore the use of precision medicine approaches to treatment.

EDs are serious public health problems that affect a significant proportion of college students. Recent advances in screening, prevention, and treatment efforts are promising and demonstrate the effectiveness of early detection and intervention. Future research is needed to investigate how to invest college campuses and stakeholders in population-level approaches to prevention and treatment.

This work was supported by R01 MH100455 and K08 MH120341 from the National Institute of Mental Health as well as T32HL130357 from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Publisher's Disclaimer: DISCLAIMER: The above article has been published in Epub (ahead of print) on the basis of the materials provided by the author. The Editorial Department reserves the right to make minor modifications for further improvement of the manuscript.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors declare no conflict of interest, financial or otherwise.

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Several colleges and universities offer their own scholarship programs for students with mental and physical impairments, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison is one of them. The McBurney Scholarship is offered for ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, learning disabilities, eating disorders and more. This scholarship is not dependent on financial need.

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• INCIGHT Scholarship

The INCIGHT Scholarship is awarded to applicants who have experienced disabilities, including eating disorders, and have shown a passion for community service. Individuals in Oregon, Washington and California are welcome to apply. 

To find out if you are eligible and apply for the INCIGHT Scholarship, click here .

• EDucate for Eating Disorders Survivor Scholarship

This scholarship is available to three individuals planning to attend an undergraduate program who have experience overcoming an eating disorder. In order to receive the scholarship, applicants must submit an essay regarding their experience with their disorder and how they will use it to fight stigma and support others with the same struggles during college. The recipients will receive $500 each.

Apply for the EDucate for Eating Disorders Survivor Scholarship here .

A note on eating disorder scholarships

Scholarships are often highly localized, so if the above scholarship opportunities aren’t applicable to you, try searching in your region or for the school you are attending. Chances are, there are more options than you might assume.

Becoming an eating disorder survivor

Eating disorders can prevent you from living a free and full life. If the prospect of college is daunting because of disordered eating, it’s time to get formal treatment. Start today with Seeds of Hope and become a survivor.

Seeds of Hope offers in-person and teletherapy options for the treatment of eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder. Take the first step into your future and call to set up an appointment today.

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Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Public Health Issues — Eating Disorders

Essay Examples on Eating Disorders

What makes a good eating disorders essay topic.

When it comes to selecting a topic for your eating disorders essay, it's crucial to consider a multitude of factors that can elevate your writing to new heights. Below are some innovative suggestions on how to brainstorm and choose an essay topic that will captivate your readers:

- Brainstorm: Begin by unleashing a storm of ideas related to eating disorders. Delve into the various facets, such as causes, effects, treatment options, societal influences, and personal narratives. Ponder upon what intrigues you and what will engage your audience.

- Research: Embark on a comprehensive research journey to accumulate information and gain a profound understanding of the subject matter. This exploration will enable you to identify distinctive angles and perspectives to explore in your essay. Seek out scholarly sources such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites.

- Cater to your audience: Reflect upon your readers and their interests to tailor your topic accordingly. Adapting your subject matter to captivate your audience will undoubtedly make your essay more engaging. Consider the age, background, and knowledge level of your readers.

- Unveil controversies: Unearth the controversies and debates within the realm of eating disorders. Opting for a topic that ignites discussion will infuse your essay with thought-provoking and impactful qualities. Delve into various viewpoints and critically analyze arguments for and against different ideas.

- Personal connection: If you possess a personal connection or experience with eating disorders, contemplate sharing your story or delving into it within your essay. This will add a unique and personal touch to your writing. However, ensure that your personal anecdotes remain relevant to the topic and effectively support your main points.

Overall, a remarkable eating disorders essay topic should be meticulously researched, thought-provoking, and relevant to your audience's interests and needs.

Best Eating Disorders Essay Topics

Below, you will find a compilation of the finest eating disorders essay topics to consider:

1. The captivating influence of social media on promoting unhealthy body image. 2. Breaking free from stereotypes: Exploring eating disorders among male athletes. 3. The profound impact of diet culture on body image and self-esteem. 4. Unraveling the intricate link between eating disorders and the pursuit of perfection. 5. The portrayal of eating disorders in popular media: Dissecting the battle between glamorization and reality.

Best Eating Disorders Essay Questions

Below, you will find an array of stellar eating disorders essay questions to explore:

1. How does social media contribute to the development and perpetuation of eating disorders? 2. What challenges do males with eating disorders face, and how can these challenges be addressed? 3. To what extent does the family environment contribute to the development of eating disorders? 4. What role does diet culture play in fostering unhealthy relationships with food? 5. How can different treatment approaches be tailored to address the unique needs of individuals grappling with eating disorders?

Eating Disorders Essay Prompts

Below, you will find a collection of eating disorders essay prompts that will kindle your creative fire:

1. Craft a personal essay that intricately details your voyage towards recovery from an eating disorder, elucidating the lessons you learned along the way. 2. Picture yourself as a parent of a teenager burdened with an eating disorder. Pen a heartfelt letter to other parents, sharing your experiences and providing valuable advice. 3. Fabricate a fictional character entangled in the clutches of binge-eating disorder. Concoct a short story that explores their odyssey towards self-acceptance and recovery. 4. Construct a persuasive essay that fervently argues for the integration of comprehensive education on eating disorders into school curricula. 5. Immerse yourself in the role of a therapist specializing in eating disorders. Compose a reflective essay that delves into the challenges and rewards of working with individuals grappling with eating disorders.

Writing Eating Disorders Essays: Frequently Asked Questions

Below, you will find answers to some frequently asked questions about writing eating disorders essays:

Q: How can I effectively commence my eating disorders essay? A: Commence your essay with a captivating introduction that ensnares the reader's attention and provides an overview of the topic. Consider starting with an intriguing statistic, a powerful quote, or a personal anecdote.

Q: Can I incorporate personal experiences into my eating disorders essay? A: Absolutely! Infusing your essay with personal experiences adds depth and authenticity. However, ensure that your personal anecdotes remain relevant to the topic and effectively support your main points.

Q: How can I make my eating disorders essay engaging? A: Utilize a variety of rhetorical devices such as metaphors, similes, and vivid descriptions to transform your essay into an engaging masterpiece. Additionally, consider incorporating real-life examples, case studies, or interviews to provide concrete evidence and make your essay relatable.

Q: Should my essay focus solely on one specific type of eating disorder? A: While focusing on a specific type of eating disorder can provide a narrower scope for your essay, exploring the broader theme of eating disorders as a whole can also be valuable. Strive to strike a balance between depth and breadth in your writing.

Q: How can I conclude my eating disorders essay effectively? A: In your conclusion, summarize the main points of your essay and restate your thesis statement. Additionally, consider leaving the reader with a thought-provoking question or a call to action, encouraging further reflection or research on the topic.

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Nutrition Intervention for Eating Disorders

How beauty pageants can cause health difficulties, a look into the life of people with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa: causes, symptoms and treatment, the prevention and treatment of anorexia nervosa, food addiction: does it really exist, depiction of anorexia nervosa in the movie to the bone, a study of eating disorders in judaism and the impact of patriarchal values and pressures, the differences between anorexia and bulimia, social media as the reason of body dissatisfaction and eating disorders, the role of society in the development of anorexia in teen girls, exploring solutions for fighting the obesity epidemic.

Eating disorders refer to a complex set of mental health conditions characterized by disturbances in one's eating behaviors and attitudes towards food, leading to severe consequences on an individual's physical and psychological well-being.

Anorexia Nervosa: Anorexia nervosa is a psychological disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of one's body image. People with this disorder exhibit extreme food restriction, leading to significant weight loss and the possibility of reaching dangerously low levels of body weight. Anorexia nervosa is often accompanied by obsessive thoughts about food, excessive exercise routines, and a constant preoccupation with body shape and size. Bulimia Nervosa: Bulimia nervosa involves a cyclic pattern of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors aimed at preventing weight gain. During binge episodes, individuals consume large quantities of food in a short period and experience a loss of control over their eating. To counteract the caloric intake, these individuals may resort to self-induced vomiting, excessive exercising, or the misuse of laxatives. It is important to note that unlike anorexia nervosa, individuals with bulimia nervosa typically maintain a body weight within the normal range or slightly above. Binge Eating Disorder: Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming a significant amount of food in a short period, accompanied by a feeling of loss of control. Unlike other eating disorders, individuals with binge eating disorder do not engage in compensatory behaviors such as purging or excessive exercise.

Distorted Body Image: Individuals with eating disorders often have a distorted perception of their body, seeing themselves as overweight or unattractive, even when they are underweight or at a healthy weight. Obsession with Food and Weight: People with eating disorders may constantly think about food, calories, and their weight. They may develop strict rules and rituals around eating, such as avoiding certain food groups, restricting their intake, or engaging in excessive exercise. Emotional and Psychological Factors: Eating disorders are often associated with underlying emotional and psychological issues, such as low self-esteem, perfectionism, anxiety, depression, or a need for control. Physical Health: Eating disorders can have severe physical health consequences, including malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, hormonal disruptions, gastrointestinal problems, and organ damage. These complications can be life-threatening and require medical intervention. Social Isolation and Withdrawal: Individuals struggling with eating disorders may experience a withdrawal from social activities, distancing themselves from others due to feelings of shame, guilt, and embarrassment related to their eating behaviors or body image. This social isolation can intensify the challenges they face and contribute to a sense of loneliness and emotional distress. Co-occurring Disorders: Eating disorders frequently co-occur with other mental health conditions, creating complex challenges for those affected. It is common for individuals with eating disorders to also experience anxiety disorders, depression, substance abuse issues, or engage in self-harming behaviors. The coexistence of these disorders can exacerbate the severity of symptoms and necessitate comprehensive and integrated treatment approaches.

Genetic and Biological Factors: Research suggests that there is a genetic predisposition to eating disorders. Individuals with a family history of eating disorders or other mental health conditions may be at a higher risk. Biological factors, such as imbalances in brain chemicals or hormones, can also contribute to the development of eating disorders. Psychological Factors: Psychological factors play a significant role in the development of eating disorders. Factors such as diminished self-worth, a relentless pursuit of perfection, dissatisfaction with one's body, and distorted perceptions of body image can play a significant role in the onset and perpetuation of disordered eating patterns. Sociocultural Influences: Societal pressures and cultural norms surrounding body image and beauty standards can contribute to the development of eating disorders. Media portrayal of unrealistic body ideals, peer influence, and societal emphasis on thinness can impact individuals' self-perception and increase the risk of developing an eating disorder. Traumatic Experiences: The impact of traumatic events, be it physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, can heighten the vulnerability to developing eating disorders. Such distressing experiences have the potential to instigate feelings of diminished self-worth, profound body shame, and a compelling desire to exert control over one's body and eating behaviors. Dieting and Weight-related Practices: Restrictive dieting, excessive exercise, and weight-focused behaviors can serve as triggers for the development of eating disorders. These behaviors may start innocently as an attempt to improve one's health or appearance but can spiral into disordered eating patterns.

Psychotherapy: Various forms of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and family-based therapy (FBT), are employed to address the underlying psychological factors contributing to eating disorders. These therapies aim to challenge distorted thoughts and beliefs about body image, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and improve self-esteem. Nutritional Counseling: Working with registered dietitians, individuals receive personalized guidance on developing a balanced and healthy relationship with food. Nutritional counseling focuses on establishing regular eating patterns, promoting mindful eating practices, and debunking harmful dietary myths. Medical Monitoring: This involves regular check-ups to assess physical health, monitor vital signs, and address any medical complications arising from the disorder. Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage associated symptoms like depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Medications can complement therapy and help stabilize mood, regulate eating patterns, or address co-occurring mental health conditions. Support Groups and Peer Support: Joining support groups or engaging in peer support programs can provide individuals with a sense of community and understanding. Interacting with others who have faced similar challenges can offer valuable insights, encouragement, and empathy.

Films: Movies like "To the Bone" (2017) and "Feed" (2017) shed light on the struggles individuals with eating disorders face. These films delve into the psychological and emotional aspects of the disorders, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and promoting recovery. Books: Novels such as "Wintergirls" by Laurie Halse Anderson and "Paperweight" by Meg Haston offer intimate perspectives on the experiences of characters grappling with eating disorders. These books provide insights into the complexities of these conditions, including the internal battles, societal pressures, and the journey towards healing. Documentaries: Documentaries like "Thin" (2006) and "Eating Disorders: Surviving the Silence" (2019) offer real-life accounts of individuals living with eating disorders. These documentaries provide a raw and authentic portrayal of the challenges faced by those affected, raising awareness and encouraging empathy.

1. As per the data provided by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), it is estimated that around 30 million individuals residing in the United States will experience an eating disorder during their lifetime. 2. Research suggests that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. Anorexia nervosa, in particular, has a mortality rate of around 10%, emphasizing the seriousness and potential life-threatening nature of these disorders. 3. Eating disorders can affect individuals of all genders and ages, contrary to the common misconception that they only affect young women. While young women are more commonly affected, studies indicate that eating disorders are increasingly prevalent among men and can also occur in older adults and children.

The topic of eating disorders is of significant importance when it comes to raising awareness, promoting understanding, and addressing the challenges faced by individuals who experience these disorders. Writing an essay on this topic allows for a deeper exploration of the complexities surrounding eating disorders and their impact on individuals, families, and society. First and foremost, studying eating disorders is crucial for shedding light on the psychological, emotional, and physical aspects of these conditions. By delving into the underlying causes, risk factors, and symptoms, we can gain a better understanding of the complex interplay between biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of eating disorders. Furthermore, discussing eating disorders helps to challenge societal misconceptions and stereotypes. It allows us to debunk harmful beliefs, such as the notion that eating disorders only affect a specific gender or age group, and instead emphasizes the reality that anyone can be susceptible to these disorders. Writing an essay on eating disorders also provides an opportunity to explore the impact of media, societal pressures, and body image ideals on the development of disordered eating behaviors. By analyzing these influences, we can advocate for more inclusive and body-positive narratives that promote self-acceptance and well-being. Moreover, addressing the topic of eating disorders is crucial for raising awareness about the available treatment options and support systems. It highlights the importance of early intervention, comprehensive treatment approaches, and access to mental health resources for those affected by these disorders.

1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing. 2. Arcelus, J., Mitchell, A. J., Wales, J., & Nielsen, S. (2011). Mortality rates in patients with anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders: A meta-analysis of 36 studies. Archives of General Psychiatry, 68(7), 724-731. 3. Brown, T. A., Keel, P. K., & Curren, A. M. (2020). Eating disorders. In D. H. Barlow (Ed.), Clinical handbook of psychological disorders: A step-by-step treatment manual (6th ed., pp. 305-357). Guilford Press. 4. Fairburn, C. G., & Harrison, P. J. (2003). Eating disorders. The Lancet, 361(9355), 407-416. 5. Herpertz-Dahlmann, B., & Zeeck, A. (2020). Eating disorders in childhood and adolescence: Epidemiology, course, comorbidity, and outcome. In M. Maj, W. Gaebel, J. J. López-Ibor, & N. Sartorius (Eds.), Eating Disorders (Vol. 11, pp. 68-82). Wiley-Blackwell. 6. Hudson, J. I., Hiripi, E., Pope, H. G., & Kessler, R. C. (2007). The prevalence and correlates of eating disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Biological Psychiatry, 61(3), 348-358. 7. Jacobi, C., Hayward, C., de Zwaan, M., Kraemer, H. C., & Agras, W. S. (2004). Coming to terms with risk factors for eating disorders: Application of risk terminology and suggestions for a general taxonomy. Psychological Bulletin, 130(1), 19-65. 8. Keski-Rahkonen, A., & Mustelin, L. (2016). Epidemiology of eating disorders in Europe: Prevalence, incidence, comorbidity, course, consequences, and risk factors. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 29(6), 340-345. 9. Smink, F. R. E., van Hoeken, D., & Hoek, H. W. (2012). Epidemiology of eating disorders: Incidence, prevalence and mortality rates. Current Psychiatry Reports, 14(4), 406-414. 10. Stice, E., Marti, C. N., & Rohde, P. (2013). Prevalence, incidence, impairment, and course of the proposed DSM-5 eating disorder diagnoses in an 8-year prospective community study of young women. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 122(2), 445-457.

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Essay about eating disorder?

I had a long post written out before, but I decided to delete it because the post was VERY detailed. That said, I was thinking about making my CA essay about my eating disorder and how I turned this weakness (poor self-confidence, basically) into a strength (setting my mind to achieving anything). Thoughts? Also, if you want to read my academic profile to see how it would go along with this topic idea, you can read that here: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1894117-is-nyu-or-usc-a-dream-or-a-possibility.html#latest

You should not post your essay online, it opens you up to plagiarism risk. You have time to edit.

@intparent this is not my essay AT ALL. I was just elaborating on what my essay would be about. I would not be using any of the text I have posted here.

@intparent are you saying I should still take it down?

In general, I would not write on this. Don’t take the prompts too literally – remember that the college admissions office didn’t make up these prompts, they are from the Common App. You want topics that make them want you on campus. Anything about any kind of mental health disorder is a risk. If you feel a need to write about it, do it in a diary or talk with a therapist (and I genuinely mean that) – but don’t do it in your college essays. There is more to you than your eating disorder – show them that.

This type of question comes up every year. The consensus is the same: why write about something that would give a college a reason to be concerned about admitting you? I’ll grant you that writing about overcoming a problem seems like a strong response. I would not go there.

First off, congratulations on overcoming an eating disorder! They are nasty, nasty things that ruin lives. Never being hospitalized or officially diagnosed doesn’t make it less hard on you. Kudos, for real.

That being said, I don’t see this as a particularly compelling college essay. At least the way you describe it, you overcame your eating disorder by “setting your mind to it”-- while I’m glad you’ve recovered, this description seems to kind of blame a lot of people who continue to suffer with eating disorders. It doesn’t leave a great taste in my mouth, and I can’t imagine it would for the adcom reading either, especially if they had a close family member/friend with an ED. The background about middle school seems important when explaining how it started, but seems really out of place in a college essay-- if the thoughts of high schoolers are rarely organized into interesting thoughts/essays, thoughts of middle schoolers are probably more trivial.

Being vegan could be done if done right; I would leave out how it stemmed from an eating disorder, and avoid any harsh language against the typical diet with meat and dairy. At best, it comes off as “just another one of those preachy vegans…”, which may turn off an adcom. If you can spin it like it’s what you believe in morally and you don’t care if you get flak for it, and then show other examples of how your resistance to following the crowd has helped you in life (again, being careful to avoid “other kids partied, i studied, now i’m valedictorian and they work at mcdonald’s!” shaming language) then I think it could be a cool read.

@intparent Thank you for your honest opinion. I definitely agree with what you’re saying, but my idea was to show how I overcame the eating disorder and how it made me a stronger person mentally, physically, and academically. By overcoming it (with no treatment or therapy, FYI), I also proved to myself that I am capable of anything I set my mind to. Similarly, my “defining characteristic” would be about how I’m now vegan and how that has shaped my world view, too. If you still feel like this is too risky/too personal/doesn’t really showcase all I have, I would love some more advice. I’m really coming at this openly.

It is, bluntly, not a good topic. Pick something completely different.

@novafan1225 thank you for your genuine feedback! I figured I’d be getting some responses like the ones I have been getting, and I truthfully think it’s healthy for me to get this upfront advice. Yeah, I’m strongly leaning towards the vegan topic (and no, I am definitely not a “preachy” vegan, and people I know would tell you that, but I know a few who are haha). I also have never been one to “follow the crowd,” like growing up making YouTube videos despite people making fun of me, so I’m thinking of taking that spin (not necessarily the videos part, but the part about not following the crowd). Thanks again!

Let me +1 on the “don’t write about xxxxxx mental health problem”. Colleges might fail to admit you because they’re worried about something happening to you because you might fall into relapse. Suppose someone decided to write about overcoming depression. If that student relapses and commits suicide on campus or something (like in a dorm), it won’t look very good on the school.

Don’t pick a topic that can give the impression that you are mentally unstable, preachy, or just plain annoying.

This is very close to home for my family. Our daughter overcame an eating disorder. Her struggle concluded near the end of the tenth grade. Her overall profile as a High School student was extremely strong. The list of schools she was applying to was quite reach heavy. We had the discussion about how risky it was to write her primary essay about her experience with an eating disorder. As her parent I was troubled by the thought of an admissions person thinking less of our wonderful daughter, the thought of her entire High School experience being dismissed because of she being perceived as a risky admit. Our daughter understood the risk, I was so intent on protecting her that I encouraged her to not to write about her eating disorder. She decided to, she felt she had to no matter the consequences. I supported her decision because it was her decision to make. I was very concerned though. It worked out for her. I do believe she was extremely fortunate! Best Wishes for your continued good health, and good luck to you!

GOOD LUCK!!!

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Best Food Essay Examples

Eating disorder.

1107 words | 4 page(s)

Anorexia nervosa is a social problem that affects many young people in the American culture due to the issues of body image and the perception of being too fat. Idealized beauty images of women who are portrayed in media representations as thin and attractive can be a contributing factor in the development of anorexia nervosa. These issues have wide psychological and social implications, which the Karen Carpenter story brings to light. Her losing battle with the most devastating effects of the disease, including heart failure and death at the early age of 32, was an example for the world in the 1980s to learn the underlying causes of anorexia. However, the issues of anorexia nervosa are still an important problem today which continues to take the lives of young girls in the prime of life.

There are three major forms of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder (Maher, 2014). All three of these types of disorders are physiologically and psychologically harmful to the young people who are suffering. They are associated with various progressive diseases, up to and including death as the Karen Carpenter story clearly demonstrated. The statistics on anorexia nervosa are alarmingly high. 0.9% of American women suffer from anorexia in their lifetime (Hudson et al., 2007). The condition will cause a person to lose so much weight that they will appear emaciated and deathly ill to observers—which, in fact, they are—and yet they will refuse to eat any normal portions of food.

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Of all the eating disorders, anorexia nervosa is the most prevalent disease that causes early death. The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (http://www.anad.org) stated that between 5-10% of anorexics die within 10 years, either from suicide or actual death by starvation and its associated complications. Yet only 1-10 people with anorexia receive comprehensive treatment. They are frequently sent home without effective medical prescriptions or any type of help. A study by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders reported that 5 – 10% of anorexics die within 10 years after contracting the disease; 18-20% of anorexics will be dead after 20 years and only 30 – 40% ever fully recover (ANAD, 2016). These figures are even more shocking when taking into account that young girls between the ages of 18-24 are the most common victims. Anorexic girls may go to great lengths to hide the fact that they are not eating to their families; they may pretend to be eating at mealtimes and the family may not notice until they have lost so much weight that the condition is unmistakable. Meanwhile, in girls who are not receiving psychological treatment the rates of suicide also are likely to rise (Arcelus et al., 2011). This factor is an obvious circumstance of the necessity for both psychological and physical medical attention concurrently. “Standardized mortality ratio (SMR) is a ratio between the observed number of deaths in a study population and the number of deaths would be expected. SMR for anorexia nervosa is 5.86” (Arcelus et al., 2011). These high rates of suicide indicate that the social problems of anorexia nervosa go much deeper than the issues of beauty image and dieting for body awareness. For people who have anorexia nervosa, the importance of following a behavioral/cognitive psychological treatment plan may be the only program that can save their lives.

Yet in many cases the real physiological health issues associated with anorexia nervosa are not treated seriously within the psychological community, which has exacerbated these issues: “the focus of psychiatric epidemiology has shifted towards the community…assignment to a diagnostic category may stretch such categories to the point where they assume a tenuous relationship with what had been originally intended” (Szmukler, 2013, p. 143). What this essentially means is that a young woman who has an eating disorder will not be treated for her symptoms until it is actually too late to make a positive difference. By the time she has begun to fit into a diagnostic category, the harmful damage on her body will have gone too far.

Because these kinds of eating disorders are associated with feelings of shame and a poor body self-image in young women, these issues are frequently hidden from others so that really no one knows about it until it is too late. “Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric illness affecting predominantly young women, characterized by self-induced starvation, endocrine dysregulation, and comorbid psychiatric disease” (Lawson et al., 2013, p. 451). For these reasons, it is hard to determine the exact numbers of people who have eating disorders. Also, most insurance companies do not provide coverage for eating disorders so that makes it even more difficult to provide exact statistics. In short, eating disorders are not classified as a disease until they have progressed to a point of crisis such as occurred with Karen Carpenter. Noone actually knew about her condition, as a celebrity singer in The Carpenters duo, where she and her brother sang together and earned Grammy awards and other important celebrity recognition.

As far as a solution to the major issues involved with anorexia nervosa, there are many organizations online which can point to increased awareness and support groups. Due to the high statistics on anorexia as an adolescent and young girls’ issue, beauty image factors and the explicit cultural role where the advertising media promotes thinness as an attainable and desirable goal seems central to the problem. It is highly unlikely that the advertising corporations will be changing their approach any time soon. Beauty and self-image in young girls will continue to have a prominent role in advertising and media culture. The psychological and social aspects of body image, therefore, must be an important concern within the family, the education system, and the cultural representation of women in American society.

• ANAD (2016). Your future is worth fighting for. National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. Retrieved from http://www.anad.org/
• Arcelus, J., Mitchell, A. J., Wales, J., & Nielsen, S. (2011). Mortality rates in patients with anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders: a meta-analysis of 36 studies. Archives of General Psychiatry, 68(7), 724-731.
• Hudson, J. I., Hiripi, E., Pope, H. G., & Kessler, R. C. (2007). The prevalence and correlates of eating disorders in the national comorbidity survey replication. Biological Psychiatry, 61(3), 348–358.
• Lawson, E. A., Holsen, L. M., Santin, M., DeSanti, R., Meenaghan, E., Eddy, K. T., … & Klibanski, A. (2013). Postprandial oxytocin secretion is associated with severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms in anorexia nervosa. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 74(5), 451-457.
• Maher, I. (2014, Oct. 2). What’s new in eating disorders treatment and research. Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved from http://www.tampabay.com/news/health/qa-whats-new-in-eating-disorders-treatment-and-research/2200489
• Szmukler, G. I. (2013). The epidemiology of anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 19, 143-153.

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