“Did You Know?” Guidesheet for Residential Assistants (RA)
Beyond the Myths: What everyone should know about
EATING DISORDERS Eating disorders affect millions of people at any given time. The most common eating disorders include binge-eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, and anorexia nervosa.
1 4 in
One in four people experience signs or symptoms of an eating disorder. All eating disorders involve unhealthy patterns of eating or thoughts about eating that affect a person's health or daily life. Many, but not all, also involve a strong focus on food, weight, and body image.
Myth #1: Only women suffer from eating disorders.
Myth #2: “You can tell just by looking...”
Eating disorders affect people of all genders
Someone’s size has nothing to do with it.
and identities. Men can feel pressure to look a
Although many people associate eating
certain way, too; an estimated 20 - 30 percent
disorders with restrictive eating patterns,
of people struggling with eating disorders are
binge eating disorder is actually the most
male. Transgender and gender diverse
common eating disorder in the US, and even
individuals also experience eating disorders
those of a “normal” or “healthy” body weight
and body image concerns at elevated rates.
may be suffering.
Myth #3: Eating disorders are a lifestyle choice According to the National Institute of Mental Health, eating disorders are caused by a complex interaction of genetic, biological, behavioral, psychological, and social factors. One of those social factors is a diet culture that promotes weight stigma. Weight stigma is when there is discrimination or stereotyping based on a person’s weight, including the “idealization of thinness.”
Anyone can be struggling Because people often try to keep their disordered eating a secret, it can be hard to know if someone you know is suffering. That’s why it’s important to raise awareness so we can all do our part in creating a culture that embraces body diversity and celebrates the
Read more about eating disorders and other health topics at the college health article site, “Staying Well,” where this article originally appeared.
stayingwellat.usc.edu
whole person—not just how they look.
Impacts on Mood, Concentration, Self, and Functioning
Getting help at USC 213-740-9355 (WELL) 24/7 Assistance
People struggling with body image and eating disorders can experience impacts and distress in may ways, including poor concentration, reduced focus, sleep disruption, irritability, study difficulties, social isolation, anxiety, depression, and decreased emotional and academic functioning. Help is available.
Concerns for a friend at USC One way to help change culture and support
Help is available at USC Student Health for
a friend is to bring the focus away from body
any student who wants to discuss eating
image. Focus instead on the unique person as
body image and eating disorder concerns.
they are, including positive attributes like
You can bring it up during a medical
talents, intelligence, skills, and personality.
appointment; talk to a counselor; or talk with a registered dietician. All services are through the 24/7 contact center line, 213-740-9355 (WELL) or as secure messages/appointments in MySHR — usc.edu/myshr.
If you are concerned for a friend at USC who might have disordered eating, you can also use the Trojans Care for Trojans program in Campus Support and Intervention to express concern, also available to use with anonymity.
Medical services, counseling support, dietician services, and psychiatry are integrated to provide comprehensive care for the whole person.
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