Student Wellness Tip of the Week: Is Your Eating Pattern Healthy?

02/28/12

Contributed by Nancy Reynolds

It's National Eating Disorders Awareness Week!

Did you know that more than 10 million American women and more than 1 million American men struggle with an eating disorder? The term "eating disorder" includes anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and eating disorders not otherwise specified (ENOS).

What Are the Signs?

Severe distress over body appearance
May exercise often to burn calories
May use steroids or supplements to control weight

A person may have odd eating habits like:

Skipping meals often
Eating at meals times, but severely cutting back on food at one or all meals
Eating the same thing day after day, or meal after meal
Have conflicts with family and friends over when to eat, and over how much to eat

A person may have issues with food if they:

Think about food and/or weight for a large portion of the day
Have secret eating binges and feel unable to stop
Vomit or use laxatives and/or diuretics after eating

How Do I Help a Friend Who May Have a Problem?

Focus on the positive:

Express concern- Talk about your friend's health and happiness, rather than his or her eating behaviors
Be patient and be present- Listen and care. Point out strengths and praise talents
Encourage your friend to seek professional help- Offer to go along with them for support

Avoid the negative:

Don't give advice (unless asked for it), nag, or criticize
Don't be part of talk that focuses just on food, body size, or weight
Don't expect your friend to change overnight. Change takes time!

Need help for yourself or a friend?

Learn about the services of CAPS by visiting the Counseling and Psychological Services website. These services include individual counseling and an Eating Issues Support Group. Complete an anonymous online screening to determine your risk of having an eating disorder.

For additional information on eating disorders and to find out more on how to help a friend, visit the Center for Health Promotion in the lower level of the Hammond Health Center, and check out their website on eating problems and body image by clicking here! Also, check out Cornell's nutritional webpage for even more information!

Submitted by Maria Behrens, '12

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