College Weight Gain: Don’t Fear The Freshman 15!

Two young women eating pizza joyfully with other snacks around. Are you concerned about the freshman 15? A college eating disorder therapist in Los Angeles explains why this myth is problematic for new college students.

TL;DR The “Freshman 15” is more myth than reality. Research doesn’t support that most college students gain fifteen pounds, and the fear surrounding it does far more harm than the weight gain itself ever could. What often goes unmentioned is that some weight gain during the college years is completely normal and expected, since the …

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Why We Recommend Six Months of Demonstrated Readiness Before College

Photo of two young women and a young man walking on a college campus. Is your young adult in eating disorder recovery? Eating disorder therapy for college students in Los Angeles can help them continue to thrive while preparing for college.

TL; DR When it comes to sending a young adult with an eating disorder off to college, six months of demonstrated recovery is recommended. Summer break simply doesn’t replicate the academic pressure, social dynamics, and independence of college life, making it an unreliable measure of true college readiness. Six months allows enough time for recovery …

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Is Your Young Adult With an Eating Disorder Ready for College?

A group of college students walking, talking, and laughing together. Is your young adult with an eating disorder ready for college? Work with an FBT therapist in Los Angeles, CA, to help ensure their comfort and success.

TL; DR Transitioning to college can be especially challenging for young adults with eating disorders. The stress of new environments, social pressures, and lifestyle changes can exacerbate their struggles. To assess readiness, it’s crucial to evaluate their recovery over the past six months, ensuring they’ve maintained a healthy weight, avoided eating disorder behaviors, and can …

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Managing the College Transition When You’ve Had an Eating Disorder

A woman packs clothes into an open suitcase. Does the college transition trigger anxiety about maintaining eating disorder recovery away from home? Family-Based Treatment (FBT) in Los Angeles, CA, equips families with tools for ongoing support during separation.

Transitioning to college can be exciting yet challenging, especially for those with a history of eating disorders. It’s crucial to prioritize your recovery during this time. Here are key strategies: Build a Support System: Reach out to family, friends, and potential new connections at college. Keep a list of contacts for support. Follow Your Meal …

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Managing ARFID in College

ARFID in College[Image description: photo of 3 college students in college dining hall, represents potential students with ARFID in college in California]

Going to College With ARFID: What to Know Going to college with Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) can be challenging for many reasons. Many people with ARFID find eating to be a chore and unpleasant, and the added stress of college, eating in front of others at the dining hall, and limited food options. …

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College Process Group

Eating Disorder College Process Group for college students in California [Image description: photo image of Kristine Flanigan and full details about the group: "Currently Enrolling! Secure your spot for EDTLA's virtual eating disorder recovery process group for college students in California. 6-7 pm every Tuesday, $60 per session. We accept Anthem, Aetna, Carelon, and Anthem Medi-Cal. Led by Kristine Flanigan, Psy.D., Supervised by Lauren Muhlheim, Psy.D. PSY15045 Register now Email hello@EDTLA.com for inquiries"]

We are excited to offer an eating disorder college process group. We know how hard it is to be a college student with an eating disorder. Beginning February 2026 over Zoom every Monday at 7pm. You’re away at school and want to begin your adult life. But you are dealing with an eating disorder and …

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