AS&E Students
Arts and Sciences, Engineering, SMFA at Tufts
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AS&E Students
Arts and Sciences, Engineering, SMFA at Tufts
Health & Wellness

Eating Concerns Resources

 

 

Everyday life is stressful, and sometimes you might feel that your weight is one of the few things you can control. Excessive concern about your weight, eating too little, and eating too much can strip the joy from your life and lead to serious medical problems.

Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship with Food

  1. Do you feel that food controls your life?
  2. Do you have the impulse to vomit after eating?
  3. Do you use laxatives to control your weight or shape?
  4. Do you go on eating binges and feel like you can't stop?
  5. Does exercise replace other activities such as classes, social events, or meals?

How CMHS and Health Services Can Help

Eating concerns are often treated through a multidisciplinary approach. At Tufts, this multidisciplinary team includes Health Service clinicians and CMHS clinicians. Sometimes, it may also include working with a registered nutritionist. The registered nutritionist is usually a provider in the community. 

An evaluation for eating concerns includes:

  • Meeting with CMHS or Health Service to discuss your concerns
  • Physical evaluation and lab work with a Health Service provider

After these steps, the CMHS and/or Health Service team can tailor a treatment to your needs. 

If You Are Worried about a Friend's Unhealthy Eating

  • Talk to your friend. Let them know that you are concerned about them, and describe what you have noticed. Gently encourage them to make an appointment with Health Services or CMHS.
  • Ask a counselor about how to approach your friend. Feel free to consult with a CMHS counselor for guidance and support about how to talk with your friend.
  • Try not to worry about your friend's reaction. Your friend might not acknowledge what you say, but knowing you are concerned will have an impact. Remind yourself that you are being a compassionate, caring friend.
  • Talk to someone who can intervene. If you are worried about your friend's safety, share your concern with Student Support. If appropriate, they will work to ensure that your friend has an evaluation. 
  • Get support for yourself. Having a friend with a mental health concern—including an eating disorder—can be stressful. Please consider obtaining support for yourself so that you can take care of your own well being. Your friends and family may support you, as can a counselor at CMHS.