Posted
March 2, 2026 at 11:15 AM CST
Courtesy of University of Iowa College of Education
Eating disorders are among the most prevalent and dangerous mental health concerns for Iowa teenagers, and specialized treatment options in the state are limited.
The University of Iowa’s Scanlan Center for School Mental Health offers treatment for eating disorders to Iowa students 12 and older, as well as for parents and school staff.
Taylor Ford, assistant director of clinical services and crisis response, said an eating disorder is an unhealthy relationship with food that’s far beyond dieting — and it can be life-threatening.
“Severe eating disorders can be difficult to overcome,” Ford said. “But I think the key point is that recovery from any type of eating disorder is absolutely possible if you have the right support and treatment.”
Treatment could involve several experts, including a therapist, a psychiatrist, a physician and a dietician, and the process may take six months or several years.
Ford said there’s a misperception that eating disorders primarily impact girls and young women.
“Eating disorders can affect anyone from any background,” she said. “We see individuals that are struggling with eating disorders across all genders, ages, races and body sizes.”
About 9% of all Americans will have an eating disorder at some point in their lives, which is about 291,000 Iowans, according to Ford. But she said large numbers go undiagnosed.
While many people have heard of anorexia and bulimia, Ford said binge eating disorder is actually the most common form. Early identification and intervention are key to saving lives and improving outcomes, and she said there may be warning signs.
“Sometimes, you’ll see extreme rigidity around eating and food, an obsession with exercise and then distress if not able to exercise, increased anxiety around mealtimes,” Ford said. “Sometimes individuals who are struggling will avoid social events that involve food or just kind of socially isolate in general, and then it’s pretty common to see shifts in moods.”
The UI’s Scanlan Center also provides statewide mental health services for K-12 students.
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