RESEARCH ON EATING DISORDERS
IN THE COLLEGE POPULATION
Eating disorders are complex conditions that arise from a combination of long–
standing behavioral, biological, emotional, psychological, interpersonal, and social
factors. While eating disorders may begin with preoccupations with food and weight,
they are most often about much more than food. People with eating disorders of-
ten use food and the control of food in an attempt to compensate for feelings and
emotions that may otherwise seem overwhelming. For some, dieting, bingeing, and
purging may begin as a way to cope with painful emotions and to feel in control of
one’s life, but ultimately, these behaviors will damage a person’s physical and
emotional health, self–esteem, and sense of competence and control. However,
with appropriate treatment, people do recover from eating disorders and go on to
live healthy, fulfilling lives.
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