Eating disorders outreach project moves to college campuses

Responding to gaps in services on college campuses for students with eating disorders, the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) has created a collegiate version of its Proud2Bme online outreach initiative for youth.

Sponsored by The Recovery Village behavioral health and eating disorders treatment facility in central Florida, Proud2Bme on Campus will offer guidance such as webinar training for resident and peer advisers and toolkits for educators, school administrators, athletic coaches and parents.

While eating disorders are estimated to affect 10 to 20% of women and 4 to 10% of men in colleges and universities, few schools offer the kinds of targeted programs that encourage individuals to seek proper treatment. A NEDA survey of 165 colleges and universities found that only 2.5% offer year-round prevention and education for student-athletes, a group particularly susceptible to eating disorders, and only 22% offer screenings and referrals. “The steady increase in eating disorders on college campuses is alarming and the lack of resources is dangerous,” NEDA president and CEO Lynn Grefe said in a Sept. 16 news release.

As part of the Proud2Bme on Campus initiative, New York University and California State University, Northridge professors will partner with student advocates to develop eating disorder awareness and early intervention projects that will be unveiled during the current academic year.