Week of events at UF to focus on eating disorders, body image concerns

February 17, 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Embrace Your Body Week 2011 will be kicked off at the University of Florida on Monday to increase awareness of body image and eating concerns experienced by many students.

The series of events is being held as part of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. This year’s theme is “Every Body is Beautiful.”

“In a recent survey, one in five UF students reported that feeling fat frequently interferes with their enjoyment of everyday life,” said Shannon Kirkpatrick, health promotion specialist with GatorWell Health Promotion Services. “We know that these concerns impact many students and hope the events throughout this week will offer positive strategies to promote body confidence.”

The week’s three main events will focus on media influences on body image, how to help someone who is struggling with an eating disorder and nourishing your body healthfully and mindfully. All events are open to the public.

A free screening of the film “Cover Girl Culture: Awakening the Media Generation” will be held at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Reitz Student Union Cinema. In this documentary, filmmaker and former Elite International fashion model Nicole Clark exposes the deep and negative impact of the impossible beauty standards set by the fashion and advertising industries and offers positive strategies to reduce the impact on girls and women.

Roberta Seldman, licensed psychologist with the Counseling and Wellness Center, and UF students will present “It’s Time to Talk About It: How to Help Someone Who is Struggling” at 7 p.m. Feb. 23 in Room 282 of the Reitz Student Union. The presenters will answer common questions about how to help friends and loved ones who may be a struggling with an eating disorder, excessive exercise or body image concern.

At 6:30 p.m. Feb. 24, GatorWell and RecSports are hosting an event at Jennings Hall to remind UF students that “Every Body Needs a Break” with an evening of yoga, massage, art, games, food and prizes.

Throughout the week, tips and resources to promote positive body image will also be available at the GatorWell Health Hut from Feb. 22 to March 4.

The event is coordinated by GatorWell Health Promotion Services in partnership with the University Athletic Association, Counseling & Wellness Center, RecSports, Body Acceptance Movement, Food Science and Human Nutrition Club and Women’s Leadership Council.

Visit GatorWell Health Promotion Services at http://gatorwell.ufsa.ufl.edu or call 352-273-4450 for more information about Embrace Your Body Week.

GatorWell Health Promotion Services works to help students succeed academically by promoting healthy lifestyles and creating a healthy campus environment at the University of Florida. The prevention and educational services offered address a variety of lifestyle issues including nutrition, stress and time management, sexual health, and alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use.