Lifestyle
Eating Disorders During the College Years: College life can lead to developing and relapsing eating disorders
Last Updated on June 26, 2024 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) Sending kids off to college can be anxiety-inducing for students and parents alike. Between newfound freedom, increased workloads, reduced structure, academic competition, increased social comparison and the miles away from home, life as an undergrad is often largely uncharted territory.
Even before COVID-19 and the surge of associated mental health challenges, researchers revealed some startling insight on college students’ mental health. One study, led by researchers at the University of Oxford, found one-third of college freshmen are coping with anxiety and depression at the start of the school year, and those numbers increase as the year progresses.
As if that weren’t enough, the college years also tend to intersect with the onset of most mental health conditions. Half of all cases begin by the age of 14 while 75% of lifetime mental illnesses present by the age of 24, according to research published in the “Archives of General Psychiatry,” with some of the most dangerous and prevalent mental health conditions on college campuses being eating disorders.
Navigating Mental Health Disorders
Trying to help young adults navigate their first real taste of “independence” – especially if you’re miles apart – can be a daunting task for parents. While the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated many mental health conditions, it also helped make mental health awareness more of a household topic. Now, there are helpful resources for parents and students and less stigma attached to mental health diagnoses, so neither those with eating disorders nor their loved ones have to struggle alone.
Additionally, most people with eating disorders also struggle with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression or ADHD. Managing a mental health condition is rarely easy and doing so in an unfamiliar environment – often without a proper diagnosis – can be especially difficult. By becoming familiar with the early behavioral, emotional and physical warning signs of eating disorders, parents may be better able to spot students’ problematic relationships with food and make early intervention a priority before symptoms spiral out of control.
Eating Disorders on the Rise
The unique convergence of environmental triggers, academic stress and neurological development during the college years makes students a high-risk population for the development of mental health conditions with eating disorders being some of the most common. The prevalence of eating disorders among college students was stable from 2009-2018, but increased sharply in 2021 for both women and men, according to a study published in “Nutrients.”
Signs of Trouble
Recognizing a college student’s eating disorder can be particularly difficult, especially when students are away from home attending school. Until it has progressed significantly, someone with an eating disorder may be quite effective at hiding it from others.
While different eating disorders present different symptoms, some common overarching signs that may suggest a problem include:
- Increased interest in dieting
- Excessive monitoring of food intake or weight
- Frequent negative comments about body image
- Poor eating habits, such as skipping meals or bingeing
- Rigid or excessive exercise schedules
- Significant changes in weight (loss or gain)
- Social withdrawal
- Changes in mood or behavior
Early Intervention
Early intervention can play a critical role in effective treatment of an eating disorder, but many families struggle with finding a treatment program that allows a college student to continue coursework while taking steps to improve health.
“A delay in eating disorder treatment can negatively impact the likelihood of recovery and increase the duration of the condition, needlessly prolonging suffering,” said Heather Russo, chief clinical officer for Alsana, a national eating recovery community that serves adult clients of all genders through in-person and virtual programs. “Parents of college students must be aware of the risks and triggers young adults face during these vulnerable years so they can help address issues and early warning signs as they arise.”
An option like Alsana’s Adaptive Care Model is a holistic approach to treatment that strives to create an inspiring healing experience and focuses on the patient’s total health through five core areas, including medical treatment, nutrition, movement, therapy and developing a stronger sense of self-purpose.
This customized approach to treatment is available to students who seek flexible scheduling options, allowing them to get help remotely or on an outpatient basis.
“Because eating disorders touch so many facets of a person’s life, treatment must address healing for the whole person in order for it to be effective, sustainable and nourishing,” Russo said.
Learn more about eating disorder treatment options that can help your student develop a healthier relationship with food at alsana.com.
Evaluating an Eating Disorder
If you’ve noticed some changes in your college student but can’t put your finger on exactly what’s wrong, an eating disorder could be to blame. Pinpointing a problem is the first step toward effective treatment.
If you’re concerned your college student might have an eating disorder, considering the answers to these questions, discussing them together and talking with a doctor can help put your loved one on a path toward recovery. Or, if your student tends to be more private, ask them to take a survey to learn more about the likelihood of an eating disorder at alsana.com/survey.
- Do you attempt to restrict calories or foods?
- Do you make yourself sick because you feel uncomfortably full?
- Do you worry you have lost control over how much you eat?
- Have you recently lost more than 14 pounds in a three-month period?
- Do you believe yourself to be “fat” when others say you are too thin?
- Would you say food dominates your life?
Photos courtesy of Getty Images
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Community
Viewpoint Hosted by Dennis Quaid Brings Attention to a Little-Understood Condition Affecting Families Nationwide
A new Viewpoint hosted by Dennis Quaid segment with APFED raises awareness of eosinophilic esophagitis, its subtle symptoms, and its impact on families.
For more information, readers can visit viewpointproject.com and apfed.org.
For many families, health conditions do not always begin with a dramatic diagnosis. Sometimes they show up in small, everyday habits that seem easy to explain away. Cutting food into tiny bites. Drinking extra water with every meal. Quietly avoiding certain foods altogether. A new educational segment from Viewpoint hosted by Dennis Quaid is shining a light on those subtle warning signs through a collaboration with the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders, helping more people recognize the realities of living with eosinophilic esophagitis, or EoE.
Viewpoint hosted by Dennis Quaid
The segment, distributed to Public Television stations across the country, focuses on making this chronic inflammatory condition easier for the public to understand. For viewers, that matters because EoE is often misunderstood or overlooked, even as it affects daily routines, family meals, and quality of life. By connecting medical information to real-life experiences, the program gives audiences a more human picture of what people with the condition may be facing.
When everyday habits tell a bigger story
Eosinophilic esophagitis occurs when eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, build up in the esophagus, causing inflammation that can lead to tissue damage and narrowing. But what stands out most in this story is not just the science. It is the way people often adapt without realizing it. Behaviors like chewing excessively, avoiding certain textures, or relying on liquids to help swallow can become so routine that they no longer feel unusual.
That is one reason the segment carries real community value. It encourages people to look more closely at symptoms that may have been normalized for years and to seek evaluation from specialists such as gastroenterologists or allergists. It also raises awareness among parents, caregivers, and primary care providers who may be the first to notice that something is not quite right.
More than awareness
The program also explores the emotional and social side of the condition, especially for people navigating dietary restrictions and the uncertainty of delayed diagnosis. In that sense, this is not only a story about medicine. It is also a story about advocacy, support, and the importance of helping people feel seen.
APFED Executive Director Mary Jo Strobel noted that many people with EoE do not realize they have adapted their lives around a medical condition. That message gives the segment its strongest human element: awareness can change lives, not only by leading to diagnosis, but by helping families better understand experiences that may have felt isolating or confusing.
Originally distributed in January 2025, the documentary will continue to be made available to stations through March 2027, extending its reach to more households nationwide.
Related Coverage
Read more from STM Daily News on community issues, public television, health awareness, and stories that connect national topics to everyday life.
For More Information
- Visit the official Viewpoint hosted by Dennis Quaid website
- Learn more about the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
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Last Updated on April 3, 2026 by Daily News Staff
(Feature Impact) Easter celebrations don’t need to be elaborate to feel special. A few thoughtful touches – from elegant decor to sweet seasonal treats – can instantly elevate baskets, brunch tables and spring gatherings.
Darling Decor
Few things capture the spirit of spring like a welcoming table. Creating an Easter-ready setting can be simple: pastel eggs nestled in woven baskets, floral runners, ribbons, paper napkins, egg-shaped votives and whimsical bunny accents instantly brighten the scene. Layering soft colors and natural textures helps create a table that feels festive yet effortless.
Brunching with Bunnies
Easter is the perfect excuse to refresh your brunch menu. A signature dish – whether it’s a savory quiche, fluffy pancakes or a fresh fruit board – paired with playful mocktails can instantly set a celebratory tone.
For a sweet finishing touch, add a bowl of Ferrero Rocher premium gold-wrapped chocolates to the table. They double as both a treat and eye-catching accent. Guests can also enjoy the brand’s first-ever hollow bunny candy, “Bunny and Egg,” a festive seasonal chocolate designed especially for Easter celebrations. These elegant treats work just as well tucked into Easter baskets as they do placed around the table for guests to enjoy.
Festive Florals
No spring table is complete without flowers. Seasonal favorites like tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and white lilies can brighten any gathering. Arrange them in rabbit-shaped planters or simple bud vases for a playful touch. For a creative twist, fill clear vases with colorful stones, craft gems or even jellybeans before adding blooms for a centerpiece that feels both festive and fresh.
Beyond Basic Baskets
Easter baskets have evolved beyond simple candy assortments. Today’s baskets often feature curated treats and small gifts for everyone at the table. For a premium addition, Ferrero Rocher Golden Eggs – individually wrapped white, milk and dark chocolates with a smooth, indulgent center – bring a touch of elegance to baskets, egg hunts or springtime place settings.
Sweet Moments to Share
Sometimes the most memorable Easter traditions are the simplest ones – sharing dessert after brunch, passing around chocolates at the table or sending guests home with a small sweet treat. Setting out a bowl of chocolates encourages everyone to pause, indulge and celebrate the moment together.
Find more elegant treat and decor ideas to elevate your Easter celebration at ferrerorocher.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (man and woman painting Easter eggs)
SOURCE:Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
health and wellness
Progress, Not Perfection: How Healthy Habits Can Stack Up One Step at a Time
The article emphasizes that achieving better health relies on progress, not perfection. It advocates for realistic goals and highlights tools like My Life Check for personalized health assessments. Small, manageable changes in diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management can significantly impact overall well-being, making healthy habits more attainable and sustainable.
Last Updated on April 1, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Progress, Not Perfection: How Healthy Habits Can Stack Up One Step at a Time
(Feature Impact) Despite the best of intentions, it’s common for plans to build healthier habits to fall flat. Often, the culprit isn’t a lack of motivation or discipline; rather, it’s unrealistic expectations.
Overhauling your lifestyle requires a level of commitment that isn’t always practical. Understanding your personal health needs and the challenges you need to overcome can help give you a more realistic roadmap toward better health.
Tools to Guide You
Every plan needs a starting point and there are many reputable sources that can help guide you toward a plan that addresses your personal health needs.
For example, the American Heart Association introduced My Life Check, a simple, free tool to help individuals understand their heart health and what’s driving it. Users answer simple questions about their daily habits and health factors to get a personalized Heart Health Score in minutes.
The results are private and downloadable, giving you full control of your information. The tool turns big goals into small, specific actions you can start right away. Knowing your numbers relative to your heart health (and where you are in comparison to target ranges for optimal health) can help you decide how to build a better map to get you where you want to be.
While the report is customized to each individual, no personal data is stored and answers are only used to calculate health scores and provide personalized recommendations and practical steps to improve your health, so you can use your results to focus on what matters most to you. Every small step you take, such as moving more, eating smarter, sleeping better or managing stress, can add up over time.
Finding Your Path
Once you’re armed with data and know where you stand on your heart health numbers, small steps become clearer and more manageable. That knowledge makes it easier to choose one area to focus on, such as getting more sleep, taking daily walks or adding more color to your meals.
Healthy changes don’t need to be expensive or complicated. The best habits are ones that fit real life when every action you take moves you closer to your goals.
Staying motivated and on track is also easier when you can check back in, see your progress and realize the steps you’re taking are making an impact. Checking in every few months to see how you can grow gives you the chance to celebrate your progress, learn from challenges and keep building lasting habits that feel good.
To get started with personalized tips to set your own health goals, visit heart.org/mylifecheck.
Healthy Habits for Everyday Life
Eat Smart
Choose foods that help you feel your best, one meal at a time. Add more color to your plate and focus on balance, not restriction. Simple, affordable swaps can make a real difference.
Smart Tip: Aim for an overall healthy eating pattern that includes whole foods, fruits and vegetables, lean protein, nuts, seeds and cooking in non-tropical oils such as olive and canola.
Move More
Find movement that fits your life, such as a walk, a stretch or dancing while you cook. Every bit of activity counts and it all supports your heart and mind. Move for joy, not just for results.
Smart Tip:Adults should get 150 minutes of moderate physical activity (or 75 minutes of vigorous activity) per week. Kids should aim for 60 minutes every day, including play and structured activities.
Sleep Well
Rest is a foundation of good health, not a reward. Protect your bedtime routine and give your body the recovery it deserves. Notice how good sleep makes everything else easier.
Smart Tip: Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Children require more. Adequate sleep promotes healing, improves brain function and reduces the risk for chronic diseases.
Manage Stress
Check in with yourself regularly, both mentally and emotionally. Create simple moments to pause, breathe, laugh or step outside. Connection, kindness and calm all support a healthy heart.
Smart Tip:The first step to stress management is awareness. Step “away from yourself” for a moment. Objectively ask yourself, “Is my stress level too high?” If so, look at what might be causing that stress.
Ideas for Incremental Changes
- Dedicate 15 minutes at the beginning or end of the day to focus on self-care, whether it’s unwinding with some music, writing down your goals or reflecting on the highlights of the day.
- Aim to add an extra serving of fruits or veggies each day, such as creating a savory veggie omelet or exploring new smoothie blends that let you pack in the produce on the go.
- Give your cabinets a quick update and put the smaller plates front and center. When you use a smaller plate, you can fill it while still sticking to recommended serving sizes.
- If you’re not a fan of the gym, think about how your hobbies can play a role in your physical activity. Even gardening counts as physical activity, so get creative to get moving with an activity you truly enjoy.
- Establish a bedtime routine that allows you to ease into sleep more easily. Once you feel the impact of better-quality rest, you may find yourself more motivated to make a regular bedtime a priority.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
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