Contributed on behalf of Cathy J. Saloff-Coste, MS, RD, CDN, registered dietician and nutrition consultant at Hammond Health Center.Contributed on behalf of Cathy J. Saloff-Coste, MS, RD, CDN, registered dietician and nutrition consultant at Hammond Health Center.
February 21-27 is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAW), and the focus this year is on early detection and intervention. The earlier an eating disorder is recognized and treatment begins, the better chance there is for a full recovery.
Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental disorder, and up to 30 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their life. Eating disorders are complex life-threatening bio-psycho-social illnesses, not lifestyle choices. They profoundly impact not only those who are ill, but also their friends, family, and the whole community.
Eating disorders are particularly prevalent in college-aged students: in one study, 43% reported onset between ages 16 and 20. Eating disorders often begin with a desire to improve health through nutrition and exercise. For some people this commendable goal becomes obsessive, and before they realize it, that quest paradoxically makes them terribly sick.
Individuals suffering from an eating disorder do not necessarily look emaciated and sick. What you may notice in yourself (or a friend) is a significant pre-occupation with weight, food, and body shape. Following a strict diet often along with an intense exercise regimen, isolating oneself from usual social activities including eating meals with friends, and feeling depressed are all possible signs of an eating disorder.
If you are unsure whether you may have a problem around food and weight, you can take a brief, confidential eating disorder screening by connecting to http://www.mybodyscreening.org/ and following the prompts to the screening tool. If the results indicate a risk of developing disordered eating or the possibility of an eating disorder, it is time to reach out and seek help. The sooner you address your concerns, the better chance you have of avoiding an eating disorder or of a full recovery.
Whether you are personally affected or are supporting a friend, it is important to get the help and support needed when dealing with an eating disorder or disordered eating. This may include consultations with a physician, a counselor or therapist, and a nutritionist. Ithaca College offers services in an individualized and confidential setting. For immediate concerns, you can call Hammond Health at 274-3177, CAPS at 274-3136, or the dietitian-nutritionist Cathy J. Saloff-Coste at 277-2053.
Check back in on Wednesday and Friday for more information on eating disorders and resources for getting help.
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20160216115958941