Students who have problems managing their eating habits have three places to turn on campus. Student Health Services, Counseling Services and Dining Services each provide students with a different angle of care and together they hope they can shape up students’ health.

Vickie Dreessens, the administrative director of Student Health Services, said that students who are not happy with their weight or eating habits can come to Student Health Services for help.

“First we weigh the students and get their weight and dietary history in order to find out if this is a new or pre-existing problem,” Dreessens said. “For a lot of students college brings new stresses and healthy food choices aren’t always available.”

Student Health Services works to identify what has caused the students’ dietary problems, checks to see if there are any health concerns due to these problems and finally tries to give students solutions to help solve the problem.

“After one or two visits most students want to handle these issues on their own,” Dreessens said. “But we will continue to work with them or refer them to others who can help them.”

Students can call Student Health Services at 342-1891 or visit their offices on the second floor of Royce Hall.

Another place students can turn, especially those dealing with eating disorders, is Counseling Services.

Roger Meyer, director of Counseling Services at UW-Platteville, said that Counseling Services works with students who have issues with food, whether it be overeating or undereating, and can also help students with eating disorders.

“Nutrition is an important factor with depression and anxiety,” Meyer said. “What students are consuming can have an impact on their mood, both positively and negatively.”

Counseling Services tailors its treatment of each student differently.

“There isn’t a standard on how to treat students who have issues with food or eating disorders,” Meyer said. “There may be a common problem, but everyone’s circumstances is different. The plan is developed between the counselor and the student.”

Counseling Services can be contacted at at 342-1865 or students can go to their offices on the second floor of Royce Hall, opposite Student Health Services.

Dining Services can also help students in a variety of ways. Beyond providing meals for students who purchase meal plans, Dining Services also provides the services of a dietician on campus and will work with students who have special dietary needs.

“We see people from all kinds of backgrounds,” Joie Schoonover, associate director of Dining Services, said. “We see people with food allergies, people who are diabetic, people who need to gain weight, and people who need to lose weight.”

Schoonover said a lot of students come to her around graduation.

“They don’t know what they’ll do,” Schoonover said. “They don’t know how to cook and they don’t know how to eat.”

To set up an appointment with Dining Services, students can e-mail the department at dining@uwplatt.edu.

Dreessens said that many students expect quick results, but sometimes it takes the help of several departments for students to really get help with their dietary problems.

“Sometimes you need a triad of help,” Dreessens said. “Mental health services, physical health care, and the aid of a dietician. Each of us recognize with and are willing to work together for the success of the student.”