Some girls come to college with an eating disorder and some develop an eating disorder while at college. The two most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa . People who starve themselves and lose an extreme amount of weight suffer from anorexia nervosa . People with anorexia think they are overweight, even though they may not be, and continue to think they are overweight even when they get to be very thin. Starvation can cause harm to vital organs such as the heart and brain.
Menstrual periods can become irregular or stop.
Menstrual periods can also become irregular with bulimia. If you know someone with an eating disorder, the best thing you can do is give support and encouragement. Urge the person to get help and be persistent. There are usually treatment programs at the counseling center at your college. Go to your college counseling center and your primary health care provider and talk to your family and friends.