If I go to the Student Health Center or Counseling Center to get help, will my parents find out?
No. In general, your request not to tell you parents will be honored. Eating disorders are no different than any other health situation. Visits to the Student Health Center, Counseling Center, Women’s Center and Wellness Resource Center are always confidential. Parents will only be notified if you are in an emergency life-threatening situation. If you are concerned about parental notification, please discuss this with your doctor or counselor during your appointment.

I want to get help but I don’t have money to pay for a counselor or doctor. Are there any options for me?
Yes. If you are a student, you can utilize all the MU Eating Disorder Resources on campus for free (click here for a list). In addition, in some cases, off-campus resources are covered by student health insurance.

What resources are available on campus for someone struggling with an eating disorder?
Click here for a list of on campus resources for those struggling with eating issues.

I am concerned about a friend who is dealing with an eating disorder. Is there anyone I can talk to about my concerns?
It can be very taxing to be a friend to someone who is struggling with an eating disorder. If you need someone to talk to about an individual situation or person and have questions about what to do, you can schedule a free appointment with a counselor at the Counseling Center (882-6601) or the Women’s Center (882-6621). They have resources and insight on ways you can help your friend and ways you can learn to cope with your friends’ situation. Also, it may be helpful to talk to a Residential Hall staff. Click here for on-campus resources.

I don’t binge and purge but I’m obsessed with watching my weight. Could I have an eating disorder?
If you even *think* you may have an eating disorder, it’s always best to talk to a professional. You do not have to have all the symptoms of an eating disorder to begin getting help. Studies show recovery is often most successful when treated early.

I think my friend has an eating disorder, what can I do to help?
The are a number of important things that you can do for your friend. Click here for more information.

My friend always makes comments about herself like “I’m fat.” How do I help her?
We posed this question to someone who has dealt with an eating disorder. Here’s what she said:
It’s best, if possible to ignore negative comments made about ones’ body image. These comments can sometimes become a source of tension in a friendship. There is no point trying to “convince” your friend that she’s not fat. It’s best to ignore comments made about body image and talk about positive things about who your friend’s personality, skills, talents and interests. Most often comments such as “I’m fat” are really a way to say, “I feel bad about myself” or “I’m sad” or “I’m angry.” Spend time asking your friend how she feels, rather than trying to convince your friend that in fact she is not fat. Click here for on-campus resources on how to help your friend.

I would like to talk to someone about losing weight healthily, where can I go?
If you are interested in losing weight, have an expert help you do it in a healthy way. Set up a weight loss plan with one of our dieticians or health educators for free!

Set up an appointment with the dietician at The Wellness Center (882-1752) or call to make an appointment with a Student Health Educator at the Student Health Center (882-7481)

I have a lot of anxiety and fears about food, where should I go for help?
A counselor might be a great resource to help you examine your anxiety and fears. You can set up a free confidential appointment with a counselor at The Counseling Center (882-6601), The Student Health Center (882-7481), The Women’s Center (882-6621) or at Psychological Services (882-4677).

I think I use food as a coping mechanism. I feel like I am not handling stress well. Where can I go to get help?
There are counselors on campus who can help you learn to deal with stress in a healthy way (without using food to cope). You can set up a free confidential appointment with a counselor at The Counseling Center (882-6601), The Student Health Center (882-7481), The Women’s Center (882-6621) or at Psychological Services (882-4677).

What fitness options are there on campus?
The Mizzou Student Recreational Complex provides a variety of health and fitness programming and opportunities including Tiger X, Personal Training, Rec Sports, Lifetime Health & Performance, Open Swim, Brewer Butte, Stankowski field, open gyms, and informal recreation. Check out www.mizzourec.com for more details or call 882-2066.

If you have any questions, please submit them to Umcoslloveyourbody@missouri.edu