Eating concerns counseling is available to UNH students who have paid their mandatory health fee.
What is an eating concern?
An unhealthy relationship with food, weight or your body.
What are the signs of an eating concern?
- Obsessive exercising
- Anorexia nervosa
- Bulimia nervosa
What is an eating disorder?
Anorexia nervosa and Bulimia nervosa are two common eating disorders. Some people do not fall into the diagnostic criteria for either of these disorders and may have Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS).
How do I know if I have an eating disorder?
The Eating Attitudes Test is a tool that measures symptoms and concerns characteristic of eating disorders but does not produce a specific diagnosis. The cut-off score of 20 or above indicates the need for further screening by a healthcare practitioner.
What should I do if I think I have an eating concern?
Make an appointment with a counselor at the Counseling Center and/or with the nutritionist counselor or a nurse practitioner or physician at Health Services.
Many people believe they can manage their eating concern without help. But the most successful treatment involves support from a team of professionals: a physician, a therapist, and a nutritionist.
Why should I make a nutrition counseling appointment for an eating concern?
Eating concerns are complex disorders affecting physical, social, emotional and mental health. The longer an eating concern is allowed to go unchecked, the stronger it may become.
Medical complications of eating concerns can be irreversible and/or life threatening.
What should I expect during an appointment with the nutrition counselor for an eating concern?
- The nutrition counselor interviews students and acknowledges their food issues and concerns in a safe and confidential atmosphere.
- The nutrition counselor reviews the impact the eating concern may have on physical, emotional and cognitive health.
- The nutrition counselor works closely with medical and psychological services to provide comprehensive care, as needed.
- Resources such as books and Web sites are provided.
- Nutrition counseling focuses on the development of a healthy relationship with food and normalized eating.
- The nutrition counselor collaborates with each student to personalize nutritional goals. Goals are designed according to the student’s readiness to change and his/her stage of recovery.
How do I make a nutrition counseling appointment for an eating concern?
Call the Office of Health Education and Promotion at (603) 862-3823 to make an appointment with the nutrition counselor, Maria Larkin.
How should I approach my roommate or friend who I think has an eating concern?
Counseling and support is provided for students concerned about friends, roommates, and family members who are struggling with an eating concern. To arrange an appointment to speak with someone, call (603) 862-3823 or visit the Counseling Center.
Related Educational Information on Eating Concerns
- What is Normal Eating Anyway?
Five components to normal eating. - Reaching Out to Someone with Someone with an Eating Concern
Helpful tips on how to talk to someone you think may be struggling with an eating concern. - Men and Compulsive Exercising
Our body-obsessed culture affects men and the way they feel about themselves and their body.
Related Educational Information on Body Image
- Body Image
What is body image? What is normal body image? What is negative body image? What can you do to change the way you feel about your body? - Writing Positive Affirmations
An affirmation is a statement designed to bring about positive change in one’s self or one’s environment. - Becoming a Critical Media Viewer
Media messages about body shape and size will affect the way we feel about ourselves and our bodies, only if we let them. - Phenomenal Woman
Poem by Maya Ange - Body Image Web Sites
Some of our favorite body image web sites. Print out, keep for yourself or give to a friend.
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