Eating Disorders: the Uknown Killer

by Sheila Vargas
edited by Abbie Tumbleson

Although it is often times kept covered up eating disorders are a problem among college students all over the nation. It is estimated that eight million Americans have an eating disorder. Out of this, seven million of them are female and one million are male (SCDMH). Franklin Pierce University barely addresses the issue or provides students with these diseases a place to go in comfort.

“I don’t think this school really cares about eating disorders among students because the only resource they have for them would be health services and I feel like they would not feel comfortable enough to go there. It’s a really tough issue especially if you’re seeking help,” said sophomore Christa Naso.

Health Services is a place where students can go at Franklin Pierce to receive more information on organizations such as Overeaters Anonymous, have their questions and concerns answered and get the proper care.

Having an eating disorder does not mean you are diagnosed with one specific disease. There are various types of eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and bulimia nervosa.

According to the National Eating Disorder Association, anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are both defined as serious and potentially life-threatening disorders. The differences are that anorexia entails the person starving themselves to the point where they start achieving excessive weight loss. Bulimia on the other hand, is when a person eats a lot and then causes themselves to vomit. The NED defined Binge Eating Disorder and stated, “binge eating without the regular use of compensatory measures to counter the binge eating.” This means that a person eats an extreme amount and instead of throwing up they just continue to eat.

When asked what exactly Franklin Pierce should do to improve resources for students with eating disorders Naso said, “Again, I’m not sure if anyone would want to put themselves out there like that, but maybe an anonymous blog on the Franklin Pierce school website or a suggestion box where the answers on how to seek treatment are pinned up next to it like they used to have entering the cafeteria, that way the people who really want help will be able to get the information.”

According to the South Carolina Department of Mental Health “eating disorders have the highest mortality rate out of any illness and 20% of people suffering from anorexia will prematurely die from complications related to their eating disorder including suicide and heart problems” (SCDMH).

To get help visit nationaleatingdisorders.org or call their toll free information/referral helpline at 1-800-931-2237. You can also talk to someone you trust can assist you in finding the right treatment facility for you.