Eating Disorders and Over-Exercise: How Should Campus Recreation Respond?

Little research has been done in the area of eating disordered behavior exhibited in recreation facilities on college campuses, however several studies have examined exercise behavior and reasoning. The literature states that for young women, the college subculture seems to be a breeding ground for eating disorders. A logical thesis therefore would be to presume that a recreation facility on a college campus would be a place for primary and secondary prevention of eating disorders. At one midwestern state college, students in academic and non-credit classes offered through the campus recreation department were surveyed using the EAT 26. Nearly 12% of those surveyed indicated symptoms of anorexia nervosa; and another 24% were labeled “at risk.” Four distinct groups emerged. The groups were identified as those at low weight with a desire to lose more weight; those wanting to bulk up; those who were medically obese with a desire to lose weight; and those of normal weight wanting to lose weight. Chronological steps can be taken to aid in the primary and secondary prevention of eating disorders. These steps include: identifying the problem; educating all staff; working with other campus entities in the prevention and intervention process; developing a policy; presenting the policy to affected departments and if necessary obtaining legal approval. It is also important to identify specifically how intervention will take place if it becomes necessary. Legal considerations need to be given attention. Eating disorders are multi-faceted and multidimensional It is important to have qualified professional staff able and willing to work in the prevention and early intervention of eating disordered behavior.