Sent on behalf of University Health Services
Dear campus community,
Whether you know it or not, you probably know someone with an eating disorder. In the United States, more than 30 million people will suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder during their lifetime. We estimate that roughly 4,000 UC Berkeley students have experienced an eating disorder in the past year (ACHA-NCHA survey, 2019).
Eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, culture, size, socioeconomic status, or sexual orientation. For students who may need support, University Health Service’s Eating Disorders Team is here to help. To schedule an appointment, students should call the UHS clinic desk at (510) 643-7110. For questions or consultation, please call Social Services at (510) 642-6074.
In recognition of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (February 24-28), UHS is offering a series of events, including free drop-in nutrition counseling, food and body positive food demonstrations, and tabling at various campus locations, throughout the week. See the calendar of events here
Be aware that you can’t tell by someone’s appearance whether they are struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating. Warning signs may include:
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unusual or extreme eating or exercise behaviors
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obsessive focus on food, exercise, or weight
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social isolation or sudden change in attitude or performance
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fatigue, fainting/dizziness
If you believe someone may have an eating disorder, have a compassionate and forthright conversation with them to express your concern (giving specific examples of what you’ve observed) and offer resources for support such as UHS. The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) offers a wealth of information, including a simple screening tool and recommendations specifically for educators.
Thank you for joining University Health Services in shining a light on this difficult but important topic.
Sincerely,
University Health Services Eating Disorder Team
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