Early Signs of an Eating Disorder That College Students Often Overlook

By Lee Neagle MA, LPC| 5 Min Read | October 20, 2025

College is a new chapter, full of new people, new experiences, new living spaces, and so much newfound freedom. Most of us expect this shift to be exciting, but it can also easily feel extremely overwhelming. This transition period brings a set of challenges that can leave us feeling lonely or out of control. So many college students develop unhealthy coping mechanisms, like disordered eating.

Recognizing the signs of an eating disorder in yourself or your friends can be difficult because our culture is constantly screaming at us about dieting and “healthy” lifestyles. What looks like a healthy habit to an outsider can actually be hiding a potentially serious problem. We want to help you see past the noise and learn what to really look for.

The Signs of an Eating Disorder Are Not Always Obvious

Often, the first clues are subtle shifts in someone’s daily habits. They may start creating rituals around food, like cutting it into tiny pieces or eating things in a specific order. You may see them skip meals often or remove entire food groups from their diet. Another person might become obsessed with tracking calories and macros. They could refuse to eat out with friends.

Physical changes can be easy to brush off or miss entirely. Look for rapid weight changes, either gaining or losing quickly. A loss of menstrual cycles, a general feeling of being cold, and an increase in cavities or other dental issues can also be signs of an eating disorder. You might also notice growth of fine, downy hair (called lanugo) on their arms and face. This is the body’s way of trying to stay warm when it’s malnourished.

The Emotional and Social Toll

An eating disorder takes a huge emotional and social toll. Drastic mood swings might become the new normal. One minute, a friend seems fine, and the next, they are withdrawn, anxious, or irritable. They may experience increased anxiety or depression. The person might get upset over a minor change, like an unexpected menu change at the dining hall. To you, the whole thing might seem illogical, but for them, the anxiety is very real and powerful.

Eating disorders thrive in isolation. Your friends may start refusing to go to social gatherings that involve food, like a pizza night or birthday parties. You may notice them leaving a meal to go to the bathroom immediately after they finish eating. They might offer to cook for everyone, but then not eat any themselves. Their social circle can feel like it’s shrinking as the illness progresses.

A person may become secretive about their eating and other behaviors. It’s not uncommon to find a friend who wears baggy clothing to hide physical changes. They may start to avoid mirrors or become obsessed with their reflection. All of these behaviors create a wall, isolating them from the people who care. It’s so important to remember that these emotional and social symptoms are not a personal choice. They are part of the illness. These shifts happen over time, and they can affect a person’s relationships with friends, roommates, and family.

In-Person Care and Your College Schedule

Treatment for an eating disorder often involves an in-person approach, particularly in partial hospitalization programs, also called PHP. The benefit of being in person is that you have a whole team of people around you — therapists, dietitians, and other peers. This personal connection helps a person through difficult moments, like mood swings or anxiety around meals. It also provides a support network of people who understand what you are going through.

Worried you’ll have to put your entire life on hold for treatment? That’s a common fear, but it’s not the reality for most. In-person care does not mean you have to give up your college life. PHP is not a 24-hour program. People can still go to class, see friends, and manage their daily responsibilities.

The structure of in-person care can help create a new routine, which is very important for recovery. It is a way to get the help you need without leaving your life behind completely. We have found that when people get intensive treatment while living at home or on their own, they can practice new skills in their daily environment.

The Importance of Local Care

Finding a program close to home is a big deal. For college students in or around Milwaukee, there are options for treatment that are more likely to be in-network with your local and regional insurance plan. This can save you a lot of money and stress. Finding a program that is close to your school also makes it easier to fit into your class schedule.

When we look at Partial Hospitalization Programs, we know that the in-person approach gives better outcomes for recovery. A local PHP lets you get the most effective care for your needs.

Take the Next Step With Inner Haven Wellness

We know that taking the first step is often the hardest part. If any of this sounds familiar—whether for you or for a friend—please know you aren’t alone. At Inner Haven Wellness, we’re here to listen and help you figure out what’s next. If you have concerns about yourself or a friend, we are here to help you get the support you need.