Turning on the television, one of the many things seen advertised are commercials for dieting pills, fitness videos, fitness equipment and dieting meal plans. Experts say dieting to a body weight leaner than needed for health is highly promoted by current fashion trends, sales campaigns for special foods and in some activities and professions.
It should come as no surprise that society is highly affected by what is seen on TV. From actors, singers, athletes and politicians all have an influence on how we view ourselves. This ultimately leads to “fat-talk,” which leads to body image issues and can cause eating disorders.
Eating disorders affect 8 million Americans. Eating disorders are no stranger to the college. Daily talks and critiques happen right here on campus. “I wish my stomach was flat like that” or “OMG, I look so fat” are just a few things said by students on campus, constituting as fat-talk.
Here at the college, students, teachers, and Health Services professionals have come together to recognize National Eating Disorder Awareness Week.
This past week they celebrated National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. Active Minds hosted many events such as eating disorder screenings (free of charge) to help students have an understanding of how they feel about themselves, food and dieting. There was also a yoga session to help relax students.
Active Minds also put on their annual BeYOUtiful fashion show. This featured Cabrini Students modeling of all shapes and sizes. There was also a guest speaker, Dr. Darryl Mace, who spoke to students about being comfortable and content with who they are and want to be.
The purpose of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week here at Cabrini is to let people know that you are perfect just the way you are. You don’t have to be as thin as a model on the runway to look good.
If you feel that you or a friend may suffer from body image issues or eating disorder, there is help available to you on campus in the health and psychological service wing located in Founder’s Hall.
