Northern Arizona University

Eating disorders are a common concern on college campuses.  As many students struggle to adjust to college life, issues related to self esteem, body image and confidence in the college environment may trigger unhealthy eating behaviors that can spiral out of control if unchecked.  These conditions include a variety of unhealthy eating practices in which food is used for emotional reasons.

Eating disorders can be successfully treated.  An interdisciplinary treatment including medical monitoring, psychological counseling and nutritional counseling is frequently implemented.  NAU has counselors, medical staff and a nutritionist available on campus to help diagnose and treat students struggling with these concerns.
Further information about these disorders may be found at:    

• Healthy Campus Wellness Resources: provides general wellness information on topics like sleep, stress management, and healthy eating
• National Eating Disorders Association: provides general information about eating disorders and a referral helpline
• National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders:  has listings of therapists, hospitals and support groups as well as informative materials
• Ulifeline.org: contains a large inventory of mental health fact sheets, a self assessment tool, and listings of NAU and Flagstaff mental health treatment resources

Help Prevent Eating Disorders

• Critically view media and its messages about body image and self-esteem.
• Acknowledge that people come in different sizes and shapes.  We aren’t all meant to be the same size.
• Avoid categorizing foods as “good” vs. “bad” or “safe” vs. “dangerous”.
• Avoid the use of highly restrictive diets.
• Discourage the thinking that a particular weight or size will lead happiness.
• Avoid criticizing a person about her or his weight.
• People learn from each other.  Try to model healthy body image and self esteem.

If you think your daughter or son may need help with an eating disorder, encourage her or him to contact either the Counseling and Testing Center (928-523-6867) or the Fronske Health Center (928-523-6867).