Columbia University Health Services

Eating disorders are not about food, but food is what people with eating disorders abuse.

The term “eating disorders” refers to anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating. These syndromes are characterized by extreme disruptions in eating and intense anxiety over body weight and appearance. Sometimes these disorders can overlap.  

Eating disorders are psychological disorders which have physical manifestations. In fact, severe medical complications which can sometimes even be life-threatening occur. 

Go Ask Alice! is the health question and answer Internet service produced by the Alice! Health Promotion Program. If it's on your mind, it's probably on Go Ask Alice!

Primary Care Medical Services (PCMS) provides comprehensive care for routine, urgent, and chronic medical needs for students. Primary Care also provides sexual health, reproductive, and gynecological services, LGBTQ health care, immunizations, and referrals. For more information go to Making Appointments.

Eating Disorders Team
Students struggling with an eating disorder should contact Health Services at Columbia as a resource. Following national standards for excellent eating disorder care, Health Services at Columbia has for over a decade maintained a multidisciplinary team of experts, comprised of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, psychologists, and a registered dietician. The team works together to establish a treatment plan for each student. Go to Making Appointments.