Eating disorder awareness week

Celebrate strength through experience and knowledge

This week at Union College, Campus Health recognizes Eating Disorder Awareness Week, “an annual campaign to educate the public about the realities of eating disorders.” The event is recognized in the last week of February; occurring this year from Feb. 27 - March 5, 2023.

An eating disorder may commonly be thought of as a lifestyle choice, but they “are actually serious and often fatal illnesses that are associated with severe disturbances in people’s eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions.” If one’s thoughts are constantly consumed with food, body weight or shape, etc., this could point to an eating disorder.

Eating disorders are the second most fatal mental illness, according to the NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association). They have a variety of causes – some are biological, psychological or even social. Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, etc.

The risks are high. Eating disorders can be responsible for gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neurological and endocrine malfunctions; as well as hair loss, kidney failure, and anemia. 

People of all ages and backgrounds struggle with eating disorders. While they often are found in our adolescent and young adult years, they can still happen to anyone. Fortunately, there is help to be found. Psychotherapy, medication and counseling can help. It is important to start treatment early; especially because eating disorders can be indicative of deeper mental problems, such as depression or substance abuse.

This week, take some time to learn about the dangers of eating disorders and what can be done to overcome them. While they are extremely dangerous for their victims, recovery is possible if the right help is sought and implemented. If you are struggling, do not hesitate to reach out to a physician or counselor for help. It is not worth the risk.

By: Charles Metz

No. 1 ranked hospital in the U.S. News & World Report Mayo Clinic defined eating disorders as “serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact your health, your emotions and your ability to function in important areas of life. The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder.” Other experts labeled this as a serious and fatal illness. According to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), “at least 28.8 million Americans experience an eating disorder at least once or at some point in their lives,” and “eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of all mental health disorders, surpassed by only opioid use disorder.”

More information about eating disorders can be found by visiting Campus Health on the north side of campus near Rees Hall. Any questions regarding the event or campaign can be emailed to the director Ingrid DeVries at ingrid.devries@ucollege.edu or the school nurse Sue Cole at sue.cole@ucollege.edu. For other health matters, it is advised to visit the office or check out the campus health website on the Union College website.

By: Robert Tengker