These people's lives revolve around their fear of fat and food, feeling out of control, and trying to keep their eating disorder a secret from friends and family. Although eating disorders usually get their start during the junior high and high school years, obvious symptoms may not become apparent until the college years.
College students are particularly at risk for developing eating disorders.
The number of students with eating disordered behavior is increasing, as is the number of students seeking counseling and therapy for anorexia or bulimia. The reasons people develop eating disorders are numerous and complex. Frequently, these individuals suffer from low self esteem and feelings of lack of control and powerlessness. They are extremely critical of themselves or some aspect of their physical make-up. Food is used to cope with these issues and the related feelings.