Eating disorders represent a critical concern on college campuses, as they are increasingly recognized as one of the most pervasive mental health challenges among undergraduate students. Recent studies show a dramatic rise in the incidence of eating disorders, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which exacerbated pre-existing mental health issues. Researchers at the University of Kansas have embarked on a groundbreaking initiative designed to address this urgent need. Their program, known as BEST-U, aims to leverage technology to improve the accessibility of treatments for students suffering from eating disorders, significantly increasing their chances of recovery.

A new study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, published by Elsevier, finds that women experiencing food insecurity more frequently report symptoms of food addiction, such as compulsive eating of certain types of food, unsuccessful attempts to cut down and withdrawal symptoms. Further study of addictive mechanisms may be a valuable approach to understand the relationship between food insecurity and the overconsumption of processed foods.