A Weighty Issue
Series of events planned on Wesleyan campus in conjunction with National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
By Leona Baker | February 20, 2011
(NORFOLK/VIRGINIA BEACH) We live in an image-driven culture dominated by an impossibly thin body ideal. Unfortunately young people, primarily women, are the most likely to develop psychological disorders associated with a desire to live up to this ideal.
During the week of Feb. 21-25, Psi Chi, the psychology honors society, in partnership with several members of the Virginia Wesleyan campus community, will be holding events to mark National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to attend.
“Eating disorders and body dissatisfaction are important issues to discuss on college campuses, as studies have found that as many as 80 percent of college women experience body dissatisfaction,” says Taryn Myers, assistant professor of psychology at Virginia Wesleyan. “It is our hope that these activities will raise awareness about these issues and, in so doing, encourage students to seek information or help for themselves or for those they know who may be experiencing these devastating disorders.”
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week was established by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) with a mission to “prevent eating disorders and body image issues while reducing the stigma surrounding eating disorders and improving access to treatment."
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week at VWC
Mon., Feb. 21, 11:30am-1:15 p.m. “Operation Beautiful” Post-It Notes Campaign, Boyd Dining Hall: Psi Chi members will have a table with magazines and post-it notes, so that students, faculty and staff have the opportunity to label what they really think about objectifying and unrealistic advertisements and images. Other creative uses of the post-its will also be encouraged.
Tues., Feb. 22 11-11:50 a.m. "The Truth about Nutrition" lecture by Dr. Joyce Easter, Blocker 201 (Science Auditorium): Dr. Easter will dispel common misconceptions about nutrition while providing accurate information so often missing in popular conceptions about food.
Wed., Feb. 23, 2-3 p.m. Yoga/Pilates class by Lauryn Meyer, Fitness Trainer, CMAC (Blue Gym): Lauren will lead us through a yoga/pilates class with a focus on body acceptance and health. All are welcome to attend, and expect a good workout!
Thurs., Feb. 24, 8-9 p.m. Showing of Beauty Mark: Body Image & The Race for Perfection, SSL: This documentary examines Westernized standards of beauty and how they can affect us. Created by Diane Israel, a triathlete who struggled with an eating disorder.
Fri., Feb. 25, 2:30-3:30 p.m. - Panel Discussion on Eating Disorders by Dr. Rachel Calogero, Valerie Covington, and Dr. Taryn Myers, SSL: Commentary about the documentary and the health and psychological risks of eating disorders in general