Eating Disorders & Body Image

College brings a lot of change, and that can sometimes lead to concerns around food and body image. Stress, pressure and messages about an “ideal” body can make these struggles more common, especially for college athletes who often face added expectations. If food, weight or body image is taking up a lot of your thoughts, you’re not alone. Support is available, and reaching out can be a meaningful first step.

Eating issues affect people of all backgrounds, and you can’t tell by looking at someone who is struggling. Many people also face higher risks or barriers to care, and eating issues often overlap with alcohol or drug use (National Eating Disorders Association, 2020). 

Eating disorders are not a choice. They are serious conditions. Even when they don’t meet the criteria for an eating disorder, eating issues can still affect your health. Talking with a medical provider and a counselor trained in eating issues can help. Recovery is possible and getting help early truly matters. 

Eating issues include eating disorders and patterns around food that cause distress or begin to take over your life. This can include behaviors like restricting food, binge eating, purging, over‑exercising, strict food rules or avoiding social situations because of food.

Resources