Why Eating Disorders Often Spike During Back-to-School Season

Back-to-school season for many, it’s an exciting time filled with opportunities, meeting new friends, and a return to routine. But for some students and young adults, this season can also carry hidden challenges. Research and clinical experience show that eating disorders often spike in the fall, especially around the return to school.

Understanding why this happens is crucial for prevention, early intervention, and recovery. In this post, we’ll explore the unique stressors of the season, the psychological role eating disorders can play, warning signs to look for, and ways to find help and support.

1. Academic Pressure and Perfectionism

Fall marks a fresh start: meaning new routines to manage, new people to interact with, and often higher expectations. Many students hold themselves to perfectionistic standards, wanting straight A’s, flawless performances in extracurriculars, or the ideal college experience.

With these various pressures, stress and anxiety bring a sense for an need for control. This is where eating disorders can emerge. Restricting food, over-exercising, or obsessing over body image may feel like a way to cope when academics or life outside the classroom feel unpredictable.

2. Social Comparison and Changing Environments

Going back to school and becoming re-engaged with new people often means reentering a world of comparison as well. Young adults may find themselves comparing bodies, clothing, or social status to their peers.

This comparison can trigger feelings of insecurity, body dissatisfaction, or isolation. Social media can make this worse, flooding feeds with the idealized versions of college life. For someone vulnerable to disordered eating, this pressure can amplify unhealthy thoughts and behaviors.

3. Seasonal Shifts and Mental Health

Fall brings shorter days, cooler weather, and less sunlight, meaning our environmental changes can contribute to lower energy, mood shifts, and even seasonal affective disorder (SAD). For individuals already vulnerable to anxiety or depression, these seasonal changes can increase risk for eating disorder behaviors.

Food and body image can become a misplaced coping strategy to manage these emotional lows. Restricting, bingeing, or compulsive exercise may feel like temporary relief, but ultimately deepen cycles of guilt, shame, and disconnection from one’s body.

4. Isolation and Transition Stress

For adolescents entering high school or young adults heading to college, transition stress is another factor. Moving away from home, living with new roommates, or adjusting to the demands of independence can create loneliness and disconnection.

Eating disorders thrive in secrecy and isolation. Skipping meals, eating alone, or hiding behaviors becomes easier in environments where parents or caregivers aren’t present. Without proper support, these behaviors can escalate quickly.

Why Eating Disorders Emerge in Times of Stress

One of the most important truths about eating disorders is that they are not really about food. They are complex mental health conditions that often develop as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions, trauma, or life transitions.

During back-to-school season, when stress and uncertainty are high, an eating disorder may emerge because it provides a false sense of control. When grades, friendships, or the future feel unpredictable, controlling food, exercise, or weight can feel like safety, even though it ultimately harms health and well-being.

Warning Signs to Look Out For

For parents, teachers, coaches, and peers, knowing the red flags is key. Warning signs that a student or young adult may be struggling with an eating disorder include:

• Skipping meals or avoiding eating in front of others

• Obsessive focus on calories, weight, or exercise

• Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities

• Mood swings, irritability, or fatigue

• Noticeable weight changes or rigid food “rules”

• Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals

Catching these early can make a significant difference in treatment and recovery.

Finding Support and Recovery

Reaching out for help early can make all the difference in nipping the development of a full-blown eating disorder in the bud.

If you're looking for eating disorder therapy in Fairfield, CT or across Connecticut via telehealth, my practice is here to support you. If you're seeking support for disordered eating or want to work on improving your relationship with your body, you're not alone. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation or learn more about our eating disorder therapy services in Fairfield County and virtually throughout Connecticut.

With Love,

Briana

Visit @naturallyyoucounseling on Instagram for more tips, information, and support.