Thank You Med-Source Back To School Grand Rounds

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Back to School May Trigger Eating Disorder

I went to school out of state (I went to Purdue University and grew up in Wisconsin). I only knew one other person from my class going to Purdue, so I was worried about making new friends. Oh yeah, and then there was the concern of studying and getting good grades. These things were all on my mind, but of most concern to me honestly was gaining the Freshman 15. I had heard about it and saw how all the girls in the class above me were scrutinized when they came home for holidays and breaks to see if they had put on the dreaded pounds.

Of course, not everyone gains weight when they go to college. For many women, the pressure not to gain weight is overwhelming. Life is out of control with everything being new—new friends, new place to live, new classes, new everything! When life is out of control, many women (and some men) try to control the only things they do have control over--what they eat and how much they exercise. This can easily lead to an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. In fact, it is estimated that at least 10% of college women suffer from an eating disorder.

I did not gain any weight my freshman year, and in fact, I lost weight and fell into this trap of trying to control my external environment through controlling my what I ate and my exercise. I lived right across from the gym, and I quickly became the step aerobics queen and would often run or do stairmaster before or after an aerobics class. I became a vegetarian and restricted my food.

Luckily, my parents noticed right away what was happening and got me help fairly quickly. Eating disorders are very serious, and someone who falls trap to one lives with it the rest of their life. An eating disorder has very little to do with food, but is a psychological illness. If you suspect an eating disorder in anyone you love, approach them with compassion and love (not accusing). Wrap your arms around them to get them help.

Here are just a few of the signs and symptoms that someone you love may be falling into the trap of an eating disorder:

• Withdrawal from normal activities
• Intense fear of gaining weight or being fat
• Acting hyperactive, depressed, moody, or insecure
• Abnormal significant weight loss or weight gain in a short amount of time
• Eating tiny portions, refusing to eat, or denying hunger
• Exercising excessively or compulsively
• Bingeing and purging
• Secretive eating or hiding food
• Disappearing after eating, often to the bathroom
• Feeling disgusted, depressed, or guilty about eating or overeating
• Distorted Body Image
  

To learn more about Anorexia, Bulimia, or Binge Eating Disorder, check out these links:

National Eating Disorders Association

10 Things Parents Can Do to Prevent an Eating Disorder

Mirror Mirror

Eating Disorder Referral and Information Center

ANRED - Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders, Inc.

National Institutes of Health: Facts About Eating Disorders

Labels: college, eating disorder, Tara Gidus

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Freshman 15

Going away to college is probably one of the most exciting yet unpredictable life events. You are going out on your own for the first time and have a freedom you have not known before. Many people gain weight their freshman year due to late night pizza while studying, unlimited buffets in the dorm cafeteria, dessert available at every meal, an ice cream machine in the dining room, and of course an increase in alcohol calories (not everyone, but for many college freshman). Many teens were active in sports in high school but then go to college and their exercise dwindles. All of these factors result in the dreaded “Freshman 15” pound weight gain.

If you are heading out to college this fall, here are tips to avoid the “Freshman 15”:

1. Eat nutritious foods and don’t “junk out.” It is easy to find yourself snacking while studying, drinking coffee drinks or soft drinks full of sugar to stay awake, or giving in to late night cravings. Have nutritious foods like yogurt, fresh fruit, whole wheat crackers and low fat cheese, nuts, and cereal on hand for healthier, lower calorie snacks and meals.
2. Pay attention to portions. If your cafeteria has an all you can eat set-up you can end up with much more food on your plate than you are used to getting at the dinner table at home. Take small amounts and only go back for seconds if you are truly still hungry.
3. As Mom always said, eat your vegetables! They are low in calories and will provide you with lots of disease fighting phytonutrients and vitamins and minerals for brain power.
4. Plan study breaks that include movement. Aim for a break every hour to hour and a half. Go for a walk around the block, go up and down the stairs a few times, do some yoga or stretching, or just do some jumping jacks in your room!
5. Exercise daily. Go to the gym and work out for at least 30 minutes every day. If you don’t think you have the time, remember that you will be more efficient studying and won’t need the caffeine if you have more energy. Exercise is a natural energy booster! Start right away with the exercise so it becomes routine.
   

Labels: college, Tara Gidus, weight gain

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