Myths and Facts about Eating Disorders and USNA

MYTH: "Midshipmen should be built the same since we are all going after the same physical mission."

FACT: Every body is unique. Efforts to achieve our culture’s body ideal combined with USNA pressures, culture, and lifestyle put midshipmen at risk for developing eating disorders.

MYTH: "I need to lose weight fast for this PRT, so I'll just do what I need to do for a few weeks, and then go back to eating normal. So what if I have to puke up what little I do allow myself to eat? It's better than failing."

FACT: Failing the PRT is not worse than damaging your health. Purging and severe calorie restriction can lead to decreased metabolism, loss of muscular strength and endurance, stress fractures, dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, fainting, weakness and slow heart rates, decreased concentration, and slowed reaction times.

FACT: Left untreated, disordered eating behaviors can be progressive and are often socially, psychologically, professionally, and physically damaging.

MYTH: "Now that I'm stuck in a disordered eating cycle, I've started eating like this, I can't stop."

FACT: Disordered eating behaviors are quite responsive to treatment, especially with early intervention. USNA resources include an Eating Disorder Specialist and a Dietitian specially trained in treating eating disorders located in the Midshipmen Development Center. They also work closely with a physician when needed.

MYTH: "The Academy probably doesn't care how we get into shape, as long as we do it."

FACT: In reality, the Academy does care. USNA Policy on the Prevention and Managment of Eating Disorders, COMDTMIDNINST 6100.1B, is “to encourage midshipmen experiencing disordered eating symptoms to use available services at USNA to minimize the progression of their symptoms and to fully prepare them for service in the Fleet and Fleet Marine Force.” According to COMDTMIDNINST 6100.1B, “the medical diagnosis of an eating disorder shall not, in and of itself be cause for a recommendation for separation."

MYTH: "If I tell MDC about my disordered eating, they won't let me commission."

BLUF: Seek help early as early intervention works best!

FACT: It is very rare that someone does not commission because of an eating disorder. When that has happened in the past, that is because the person's physical health/safety is very compromised or they waited so long to get treatment that there is not enough time to resolve the issue. 

FACT: Dr. Ann Judge, Midshipmen Development Center Eating Disorder Specialist, is available for confidential consultations regarding the above. To make an appointment, send an email to mdc@usna.edu. In addition, Jessica Hickie is the MDC dietitian and is also available for consultations.