Eating Disorders: Signs of A Problem

The idea of the freshman fifteen has been a growing phenomenon since the turn of the century. After senior year of high school, college freshmen across the nation develop the ability to double waistband sizes with the aid of school-related stress, a buffet style cafeteria and plenty of midnight snacks. Despite the playful jokes about ballooning underclassmen, the topic has a dark undercurrent of insecurity and malnutrition.

Over the past few years, eating disorders among college students have increased. One in every hundred women suffers from anorexia, and three in every hundred have bulimia. Occurrences of anorexia, bulimia and binge eating are frequent on campuses across the nation. Compulsive dieting, another rising problem, occurs when a person suffers spells of uncontrollable eating and then tries to diet, which results in more compulsive consumption. Without parental supervision, many students lose the benefit of structured meals, causing their bodies to go into nutritional shock.

Johns Hopkins offers special care to those in need of help. A center formed solely to aid those with eating disorders is located at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, offering consultation, outpatient services and hospitalization. If you or a friend suffers from an eating disorder, help is available at (410) 955-3863.

Ten signs of eating disorders:

1. Noticeable weight loss/gain

2. Excessive exercise

3. Unusual eating habits

4. Constant fatigue

5. Spells of dizziness

6. Muscle weakness

7. Depression

8. Loss of sexual desire

9. Visits the bathroom after every meal

10. Abuse of diet pills, laxatives, and/or diuretics

For information about eating disorders and treatment contact:

American Dietetic Association: (800) 877-1600;

http://www.eatright.org

Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders: (847) 831-3438;

http://www.anad.org

Eating Disorder Referral and Information Center: (858) 792-7463; http://www.edreferral.com

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous:

http://www.foodaddicts.org

The Center for Eating Disorders at St. Joseph Medical Center in Towson: http://www.eating-disorders.com

Resource on Eating Disorders: http://www.something-fishy.org

Overeaters Anonymous: To be referred to a DC or Maryland meeting, call (301) 460-2800 or visit

http://www.oa-dcmetro.org