Eating Disorders

Both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa involve a significant disturbance in the perception of body shape and weight which leads to an abnormal or obsessive relationship with food, exercise, and self-image. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by the refusal to maintain minimally normal weight for age and height (weight less than 85% of expected); an intense fear of gaining weight; a denial of the seriousness of the current low body weight; and, in postmenarcheal women, an absence of monthly menstruation. Bulimia nervosa is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by inappropriate behaviors to prevent weight gain such as self-induced vomiting; misuse of laxatives, diuretics, and enemas; fasting; and/or excessive exercise. A random sample survey conducted in 2002 of UCSB students showed that 21% of female and 16% of male UCSB students met the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder. Depression, anxiety, and substance abuse often accompany these disorders. If a student’s eating disorder jeopardizes his/her physical and emotional health, the student may need to leave school and enter intensive treatment. Some of the symptoms associated with eating disorders are significant weight loss (15% or more) from original body weight; the inability to concentrate; chronic fatigue; decreased strength of immune system and susceptibility to illness; an obsession with food that dominates the student’s life; extreme moodiness; excessive vulnerability to stress; tendency to socially withdraw; repetitive injuries and pain from compulsive exercise; and excessive perfectionism and/or rigidity. When you suspect a student may have an eating disorder:

DO

1. When possible, speak to the student in private.
2. Be supportive and express your concern about the student’s health. Provide specific examples of behaviors or symptoms that are of concern.
3. Refer the student to the Student Health Eating Disorder Program (893-4046, or 893-3371 for an appointment).
4. Consult with a professional from the Eating Disorder Program (893-4046) if you want advice on how or when to intervene with a student.

DON’T

1. Reassure a student that his/her obsessions are normal and therefore nothing to worry about.
2. Scare the student into changing or getting help. With eating disorders, fear seldom motivates change.
3. Make jokes about eating disorders or about fat people to students.
4. Make positive comments about a student’s weight loss. It is difficult to discern if you are rewarding healthy behavior or encouraging a hidden disorder.