Adjusting to college life can be an overwhelming experience. In addition to new academic expectations, your college student may have had trouble getting used to eating in a dining hall, living with others, or taking on more responsibilities. When your college student comes home for the winter break, there may be some changes in their weight, eating habits, and exercise routines.
Academic stress, social pressures, and college diet culture can all contribute to disordered eating. Look out for these potential eating disorder signs when your college student is home for winter break.
7 Signs of Eating Disorders
1. Cutting Out Food Groups
Suddenly dairy is a no-go or carbs are the enemies. Maybe your omnivore teenager is now a strict vegan. When someone cuts out entire food groups from their diet, it may be a sign of disordered eating.
2. Refusing Dessert
You know your college student has a sweet tooth. But over the holidays, they start declining desserts– including their favorites that you’ve made for years. They might say they are skipping the sweets due to “health reasons,” but be wary. This preference might turn into “no sweets ever” and other rigid food rules.
3. Dieting
Not everyone who diets will develop an eating disorder, but all diets involve disordered eating. If you notice your college student reading nutrition labels, counting calories, or using phrases like “keto,” “clean eating,” or “intermittent fasting,” pay attention.