Resources for Students With Eating Disorders

Many college students have an eating disorder or know someone who does. Use these resources to get support, help others, or find treatment.
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Eating disorders are a common mental health condition among college students. A 2020 study found that up to 17% of female college students and 4% of male college students in the U.S. have symptoms of an eating disorder.

Many young students find college and the transition to adulthood stressful. Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, as well as familial and genetic factors, can increase the risk of developing an eating disorder.

If you or someone you know may have an eating disorder, it's important that you get the proper treatment and begin building a support network. Below, we've compiled a list of resources for those seeking care, support, and opportunities to help others.

Eating Disorder Helplines and Chat Services

  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

    If you're experiencing a crisis situation and need support for an eating disorder or other mental health condition, this free, 24/7 hotline will immediately connect you with a trained volunteer.

  • NEDA Helpline: Call or Text 800-931-2237

    NEDA is home to several services through text, phone, and instant chat for people with eating disorders and those seeking more information about eating disorders and treatment.

  • ANAD Eating Disorders Helpline: Call 1-888-375-7767

    ANAD's toll-free hotline aims to assist people who may have an eating disorder, those who think someone they know may have an eating disorder, and those needing treatment referrals and general support.

Nonprofits and Organizations Specializing in Eating Disorders

  • Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action

    For over 20 years, EDC has worked to advance the recognition of eating disorders as a national public health priority in the U.S. through advocacy and policy efforts.

  • Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association

    Based in New England, MEDA is a large nonprofit that offers many resources for educating others on and helping people recover from eating disorders.

  • National Alliance for Eating Disorders

    Founded in 2000, this group focuses on providing support, education, outreach, and advocacy for people with eating disorders.

  • National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders

    A leading nonprofit for eating disorders, ANAD strives to promote positive eating behaviors and raise awareness of available services and treatment options.

  • National Eating Disorders Association

    The biggest organization dedicated to helping and supporting people with eating disorders, NEDA offers an array of services, including recovery mentors, information on support groups, and a treatment locator tool.

  • Project HEAL

    This group is committed to breaking down systemic and financial barriers so that people with eating disorders can access life-saving support and treatment, no matter their gender identity, race, weight, or socioeconomic status.

Eating Disorder Support Groups and Treatment Finders

  • Binge Eating Hope

    People with binge eating disorder and related disorders can join this site's online community to get free access to lessons on recovery and peer support.

  • Eating Disorder Hope

    Founded in 2005, EDH provides educational resources, recovery tools, featured programs, and information on eating disorder treatment centers.

  • Eating Disorders Anonymous

    People who have an eating disorder or need help supporting someone else can join EDA to get free confidential peer support and access to meetings over Zoom, chat, and phone.

  • EDReferral.com

    This confidential search tool lets you browse eating disorder treatment and therapy options using an interactive map.

  • Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous

    Taking inspiration from the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous, FA offers both online and community-based support services for people with food addiction, bulimia, and other eating disorders.

  • Overeaters Anonymous

    OA is a nonprofit geared toward helping people address compulsive eating habits and related eating disorders. It offers many resources, including a tool for finding meetings and support groups.

Resources for Supporting People With Eating Disorders

  • College Hope

    Part of EDH, College Hope is a national collegiate initiative that aims to promote awareness of eating disorders and aid students in recovery. Students are encouraged to share their school's eating disorder resources by joining the College Hope Club.

  • Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment for Eating Disorders

    A nonprofit advocacy group, FEAST was created in 2007 with the goal to assist spouses, parents, siblings, and children of people with eating disorders.

  • NEDA Volunteers

    This national organization is constantly looking for volunteers willing to help out with special events, the helpline, and forum moderation.

  • Project HEAL Ambassador Network

    This group encourages students to volunteer as ambassadors on their campuses and in their local communities. After applying, you'll receive a special toolkit and guidance on how to help peers with eating disorders.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this website is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Readers of this website should consult with their physician to obtain advice with respect to any medical condition or treatment.