eating disorder

March 26, 2014 - 10:07am
After returning from treatment and rehab for bulimia, Rachel Rifkin has voiced her struggles and is now looking to create a network to help others tackling similar issues.

Expensive treatments have helped Rachel Rifkin gain control of her eating disorder during college. Before she graduates from SU in two months, she hopes to have laid the groundwork for something just as valuable: a network of students who will be able to talk to — and support — each other.

She is working on that now, with help from a local group.

March 3, 2013 - 2:53pm
Students Helping Acquire, Promote, and Enhance Self-Esteem wants to change the way that college students feel about their bodies.

Colleen Baker couldn’t stop giggling.

Overwhelmed by nervousness and excitement, the senior psychology and communications duel major prepared for the first big event of one of Syracuse University’s newest campus organizations.

January 28, 2012 - 12:39am
Mayra Najera struggled throughout her teenage years with an eating disorder. Her new outlook on food prompted her to create healthy meals for local children.

In her early teens, Mayra Najera remembers looking through Women’s Health magazine, looking for ways maintain a healthy body weight. Najera was uncomfortable with her weight, known as the “chubbiest one” in her network of cousins. She felt empowered by articles promoting healthy lifestyles, but as soon as she looked at the cover, it was as if there was a whole different message.

“This is why I’m bulimic,” Najera said. “Because I don’t look like her.”