Dietetics seniors Leah Simpson, left, and Laura Campbell help organize a body image seminar during a Respecting and Understanding Body Image meeting at Olin Health Center.
Between classes, a social life, and a job, sometimes the pressure to stay in good shape with limited time and funds leads students down dangerous paths.
Too little education and incorrect information often cause students to eat poorly, Olin Health Center nutritionist Ronda Bokram said. She said the focus on numbers — such as eating the “right” amount of calories and losing or gaining weight — actually makes it harder.
“Two thousand calories, where does that come from?” Bokram said. “Because it’s on a nutrition label. But, how do you know that’s what you need? What you need varies every day, so if you eat the same amount every time, you’re going to be wrong probably most of the time.”
According to the 2008 National College Health Assessment, 46 percent of MSU students are trying to lose weight, even though they see themselves as being at their target weight.
Bokram said this emphasis on losing weight has led to a disturbing trend during the first few weeks of the semester.
“This fall, I’ve already seen more eating disorders than I have in several years,” Bokram said.
Ashley Bleibtrey, co-president of Respecting and Understanding Body Image, or RUBI, said the media plays a role in perpetuating an idea of health, causing students to go to extremes in exercising or dieting.
“We are not a support group, but a group that is working to make a difference on campus,” Bleibtrey said.
Increased self-awareness in college can add to the pressures students feel when it comes to body image, Bokram said. However, a conflict between self-image and reality also add to students’ troubles.
“It’s kind of where you realize too you’re almost to your adult place,” Bokram said. “So … weight is primarily determined by genetics. So, you find out you don’t really like your genetics, and you can’t do anything about it, but you try.”
Part of the problem is students coming to college thinking all they will eat is junk food and bad cafeteria food, she said, though healthy eating options are available.
“It’s not about what they should eat, it’s about, ‘Well, I shouldn’t eat this,’” Bokram said. “And when you start with that kind of philosophy, it’s very hard to be an intuitive eater.”
Many students fail to realize the few extra pounds gained during the first year of college are normal growth, Bokram said. She said research often shows the first 8-12 weeks are a transitioning period for students, and most weight is gained during this time.
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