Eating Disorders Rampant at Colleges and Universities

More and more students studying at universities and colleges are suffering from eating disorders, a recent study finds.

The National Institute of Mental Health reports 25 percent of all college students struggle from an eating disorder, and 2013 study by the National Eating Disorder Association shows eating disorders have increased in colleges and universities. "I think it's getting worse because disordered eating habits have become so normalized," said Haley DelPlato, a senior at Colgate University and a recovering anorexic.

"Just the idea of people not eating dinner so they can go out drinking, or only having an apple for lunch so they can go out to dinner, perpetuates the idea that these things are okay and prevents people from addressing these issues." Beyond controlling one's caloric intake, people suffering from eating disorders are now engaging in what is called the "nap diet". "The nap diet is when you feel hungry but want to lose weight, you just sleep it off instead of eating," said Alyssa Devine, a junior at Colgate University. "Wanting to be skinny has become the normal bathroom dialogue."

Other than one's genetic composition, eating disorders may also be a result of societal pressures - especially those created by the media which contributes to the prevalence of eating disorders. "The messages in society are pervasive about what is considered attractive and appealing. People are bombarded by the importance of physical appearance," said Dr. Mark Thompson, director of counseling services at Colgate University.