College is an exciting time for young adults, full of new experiences, freedom, and independence. But it’s also a period of significant pressure—academic, social, and cultural—that can impact how your student thinks about food, body image, and self-care. As a parent, it’s important to stay mindful of these pressures and be prepared to notice any changes that might signal your student is struggling.
Understanding the Pressures
Many students experience a shift in how they eat and how they feel about their bodies once they leave home. Access to food, schedules, and routine changes, and that freedom can come with challenges: using food for comfort, restricting or skipping meals, over-exercising, or striving for weight loss to meet perceived social ideals.
Sociocultural pressures are also at play. Sorority (and sometimes fraternity) recruitment, sports teams, and other social environments often amplify the thin-ideal and can heighten body image concerns. Academic demands, peer comparison, and navigating independence can all contribute to stress that students may try to manage through their eating behaviors.
Red Flags to Watch For
It’s common for students to visit home only a few times a semester, whether for fall break, parents’ weekend, or other short visits. Even if these visits are brief, they offer an opportunity to observe and check in. Be alert to behaviors such as:
- Drastic changes in eating patterns or restrictive eating
- Obsessive focus on exercise or calorie counting
- Signs of anxiety, irritability, or mood changes around meals
- Frequent dieting or talk about “clean eating” or “burning off” food
- Avoidance of eating with family or in social situations
How to Respond
If you notice concerning behaviors, don’t ignore them. Expressing care and concern early is important. Approach conversations with curiosity rather than judgment—ask open questions about how they’re feeling, what’s been stressful, or how they’re managing college life.
Remember, eating disordered behaviors are typically a way to cope with uncomfortable emotions. Supporting your student in understanding and addressing those feelings—through therapy, counseling, or other professional help—is a positive and proactive step.
Getting Support for Yourself and Your Student
If you’re unsure how to approach these conversations or need guidance navigating the early signs of disordered eating or body image struggles, AK Chase Consulting is here to help. We provide practical support for parents and caregivers, helping you feel more equipped, grounded, and aligned in supporting your student’s health and well-being.