Eating Disorders

Food concerns, body dissatisfaction, and low self-esteem can prevent an individual from achieving their full potential. Are you concerned about unhealthy eating habits for yourself, a friend, or family member? Unfortunately, some people with eating disorders may not recognize or admit that they have a problem. An eating disorder may be a way of trying to cope with underlying problems. Expanded awareness, as well as early detection and intervention, are important to prevent problematic behaviors from evolving into more serious conditions that affect one’s psychological and physical well-being. If you have concerns, schedule an appointment with one of our health-care providers. If you would like more information, here are some resources:

Resources available on George Mason Campus:
The George Mason University Eating Disorders and Body Image Concerns Task Force is a multi-disciplinary team established to address eating disorders and body image concerns. The Task Force has developed a guide that provides a brief overview of eating disorders as they pertain to college students. To view the guide, go to: www.gmu.edu/departments/csdc/eat/index.html

For additional reading, check out these websites:

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Provides a general overview of eating disorders and treatment.
Web site: www.nimh.nih.gov

Harvard Eating Disorders Center c/o Massachusetts General Hospital
Provides cutting-edge research, education, and public discourse in the field of eating disorders.
Web site: www.hedc.org

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
Provides education and self help materials dedicated to alleviating and preventing eating disorders.
Web site: www.anad.org

National Eating Disorders Association
Provides awareness, prevention, help, and referrals.
Maintains a hotline: 800-931-2237
Web site: www.nationaleatingdisorders.org