By Selena Stevens
The event, representing
UK’s efforts in National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, will promote positive body
attitudes through activities, speakers and panels. A body fair will kick off the events
from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 14 in the Student Center Small Ballroom.
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February
7, 2000 – (Lexington, Ky.) – Each year, at
least 50,000 women and girls in the United States die as a result of complications from an
eating disorder. Five to 10 million, or 5 to 10 percent of the population, struggle with
the disorders. More than 1 million boys and men, a small but quickly growing demographic,
also show symptoms. More than 80 percent of Americans say they are unhappy with the way
they look. “It is fairly likely that you or someone
you know could be dealing with body dissatisfaction, eating concerns or a clinical eating
disorder such as anorexia, bulimia or compulsive overeating,” said Jill Kindy,
registered dietitian at the University of
Kentucky’s University Health Service.
To help
the community understand, appreciate and treat their bodies properly, the University Counseling and Testing
Center, University Health Services and the student group UK CARES will sponsor “A
Week for Every Body” Feb. 14 to 18. The event,
representing UK’s efforts in National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, will promote
positive body attitudes through activities, speakers and panels. A body fair will kick off
the events from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 14 in the Student Center Small Ballroom.
Gabriella
Pessah, an eating-disorder specialist with the Counseling and Testing Center and adviser
to UK CARES, said the week’s events may help people realize unconscious habits and
attitudes that could keep them trapped in unhealthy cycles.
“We
learn at an early age that food can soothe us and make us feel better,” she said.
“When we’re sick, we get soup. When we get hurt, mom gives us a cookie. When we
miss home, a home-cooked meal can make everything feel better. A lot of times, we eat to
feel safe, secure and comfortable, not because we are physically hungry.”
Whether
they are overweight or perceive themselves to be overweight, some individuals will become
bulimic or anorexic. They also may begin to develop social problems at school, work or
with family and friends.
Dealing
with the eating disorders can be a very complicated task, since most involve physical and
psychological aspects. The disorders also may be the result of another deeper problem that
will need to be dealt with first. In addition, the person will have to stand strong in the
face of media and societal images that suggest what is attractive.
“Most
models are thinner than 98 percent of American women,” Pessah said. “These
models are held up as ideals for us. Those ideals are impossible to meet.”
For more
information, call the Counseling and Testing Center at 257-8701 or University Health
Services at 323-5823 ext. 238.
Click here to see the daily schedule for
"A Week for Every Body"
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