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

Two young women joyfully eating pizza with snacks around them, for an article on why not to fear the "freshman 15."

Trying to avoid the “Freshman 15”? Read this first. 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 …

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Why We Recommend Six Months of Demonstrated Readiness Before College

Two young women and a young man walking on a college campus, for an article on six months of demonstrated readiness before 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, illustrating college readiness after an eating disorder.

First published in October 2015 by Dr. Lauren Muhlheim, Psy.D., CEDS-C, and Katie Grubiak, RDN. Updated October 2026. 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 …

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

A woman packs clothes into an open suitcase, for an article on managing the move to college after an eating disorder.

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

Three college students sharing a meal in a dining hall, illustrating the challenges of managing ARFID in college.

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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