Webinars

Eating Disorders Amongst College Students: Addressing the Silent Epidemic

While eating disorders affect 4% of the general population, research estimates the incidence of eating disorders on college campuses to be as high as 20%¹. The mortality rate is higher than any other mental illness², the rate of suicide mortality is as high as 58 times higher than the rate of suicide in the general population³, and 95% of those suffering with an eating disorder are between the ages of 12 and 25⁴.

Given these statistics, why then do only 1 in 10 people with eating disorders receive treatment⁵? On Thursday, May 19 we held a webinar about eating disorders in college students. After the webinar, attendees had a better understanding of:

1. The three types of eating disorders
2. The medical, psychological and social impact of eating disorders
3. What you can do to facilitate students accessing treatment

Who should attend
This webinar provides crucial information to university and college counselors, faculty and administrators who are interested in getting a better understanding of eating disorders and what they can do about this issue on their own campus.

For those who were unable to attend, below is a recording of the webinar.

About the Speaker
Jennifer Smith, LICSW has worked with children and families in Massachusetts and Vermont for the last 20 years, with a special focus on adolescents. She has worked for the last four years for Walden Behavioral Care. She developed and now directs Walden’s first satellite outpatient program in Northampton, MA. Ms. Smith has worked closely with colleges in the Pioneer Valley to bring education, and to heighten awareness about eating disorders on college campuses.

*Any information or resources provided during the webinar are for general information and educational purposes only.

¹ 2006 National Eating Disorder Association Poll

² 2006 NEDA Poll

³ Herzog et al, 2000; Keel et al, 2003; Pompili et al, 2006

⁴ South Carolina Dept of Mental Health Eating Disorders Statistics

⁵ South Carolina Dept of Mental Health Eating Disorder Statistics