"Eating Disorders are complex illnesses that usually develop from several interconnected factors.  Long-standing behavioral, psychological, interpersonal, biological and social conditions all play a role in eating disorders.  Scientists and researchers are still learning about the underlying causes of these emotionally and physically damaging conditions.

Eating disorders may start as a preoccupation with food and weight however; they are most often about much more than food."*

Skidmore College has worked to create a community of care to increase awareness and treatment of eating disorders. 

Eating Disorder Definitions

Anorexia
Anorexia Nervosa is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by self-starvation. In their lifetime, an estimated 0.5 percent to 3.7 percent of females suffer from anorexia, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The rates in men are slightly lower, with an estimated 0.3 to 1 percent of males meeting criteria. Symptoms of anorexia may include:

Symptoms may include:

1. Recurrent episodes of binge eating. An episode of binge eating is characterized by both of the following:
2. • eating, in a discrete period of time (e.g., within any 2-hour period), more food than most people would eat during a similar period of time and under similar circumstances.
   • a sense of lack of control over eating during the episode (e.g., a feeling that one cannot stop eating or control what or how much one is eating)
3. Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behavior in order to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting; misuse of laxatives, diuretics, enemas, or other medications; fasting; or excessive exercise.
4. The binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors both occur, on average, at least twice a week for 3 months.
5. Self-evaluation is unduly influenced by body shape and weight.
   

There are two main types of Bulimic behavior:

1. Recurrent episodes of binge eating. An episode of binge eating is characterized by both of the following:
2. • Eating, in a discrete period of time (e.g., within any 2-hour period), an amount of food that is definitely larger than most people would eat in a similar period of time under similar circumstances;
   • A sense of lack of control over eating during the episode (e.g., a feeling that one cannot stop eating or control what or how much one is eating).
3. The binge eating episodes are associated with at least three of the following:
4. • Eating much more rapidly than normal
   • Eating until feeling uncomfortably full
   • Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry
   • Eating alone because of being embarrassed by how much one is eating
   • Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or feeling very guilty after overeating
5. Marked distress regarding binge eating.
6. The binge eating occurs, on average, at least 2 days a week for 6 months.
7. The binge eating is not associated with the regular use of inappropriate compensatory behaviors (e.g., purging, fasting, excessive exercise) and does not occur exclusively during the course of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.

Disordered Eating

            At any given time 10 percent or more of late adolescent and adult women report symptoms of eating disorders. Although these symptoms may not satisfy full diagnostic criteria, they do often cause distress and impairment. Interventions with these individuals may be helpful and may prevent the development of more serious disorders (National Institute of Mental Health). Disordered eating refers to troublesome eating behaviors that can include restrictive dieting, bingeing, or purging. Disordered eating generally occurs less frequently or is less severe than eating disorders and the behaviors do not meet the full criteria for the diagnosis of an eating disorder.

Disordered Eating on College Campuses

Eating Disorders often begin during high school and college and are extremely prevalent on college campuses. The increase in stress that occurs during the transition into college life can greatly change a person’s eating habits and even trigger eating disorders in some people. Having to be responsible for one’s own eating and nutrition may also be a struggle for many students as they gain autonomy in college.

Eating Disorders at Skidmore

Disordered eating behaviors are prevalent at Skidmore. On a recent screening, nearly 16% of our female students received scores that indicate probable diagnosable eating disorders. Contrary to national statistics, female athletes at Skidmore appear to be at lower risk for eating disorders than non-athletes (6.6% of athletes vs. 18% of non-athletes) and female dance majors were not found to be at any increased risk. Overall, a vast majority of Skidmore females report unhealthy dietary patterns and weight loss/maintenance strategies coupled with poor feelings about their bodies and the importance of weight in influencing self image. 

Research on disordered eating was conducted using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), a screening questionnaire designed to help determine if your eating behaviors warrant further evaluation. It is not intended to provide a diagnosis, but identifies the presence of symptoms consistent with a possible eating disorder.

• A total score on the EAT-26 that exceeds 20 is indicative of a possible eating disorder.

Eat-26 at Skidmore

o     452 female Skidmore students completed the EAT-26 in February of 2008.

o     15.8% had scores high enough to indicate a possible eating disorder

Our athletes are significantly LESS likely to have high scores on the EAT

o     6.6% of female athletes

o     18.3% of female non-athletes

Our dance majors do not differ significantly from the general female student body

Weight and Self-Image

o     Of those with potential eating disorders, 95.5% believe that they would feel better about who they are as a person if they lost weight

o     Among those with healthy eating habits, 61.8% believe that they would feel better about who they are as a person if they lost weight.

• Worried about a friend or loved one?  Please check out these tips.

Noteworthy Programs:

• Health Promotions works closely with the Skidmore Nutrition Action Council (SNAC) to bring Eating Disorder Awareness Week and National Nutrition Month to campus annually.  These events feature renowned speakers and guest lecturers, panel discussions, awareness events, and the dissemination of Skidmore-specific data. To find out more information about health organizations, visit the Student Organizations website at http://cms.skidmore.edu/health/student-organizations.cfm.
• Senior Research – Two students chose to focus their senior thesis on identifying the prevalence of disordered eating behaviors and consequences such as amenorrhea and poor bone health among Skidmore students.  This research was presented at Academic Festival, the findings will be submitted for publication, and these findings will be widely discussed on campus next year to promote greater awareness of this very important concern.

Getting Support on Campus

There are several places on campus that can help ensure the transition is a healthy one. At Skidmore, we take a team approach, with Health Services, the campus Nutritionist and the Counseling Center working closely together. If you feel that your child may need assistance with these issues while at Skidmore, feel free to contact the Office of Health Promotions or the Counseling Center before your student arrives on campus so they can get the support they may need.

For further information please visit:

*NEDA - National Eating Disorders Association

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