Brigham Young University Women’s Services and Resources will host lectures, films and activities to promote the recovery from and the prevention of eating disorders during National Eating Disorder Awareness Week Monday through Friday, Feb. 27-March 3.
“The main purpose of Eating Disorder Awareness Week is to increase the understanding of what’s going on in the world that encourages eating disorders and how many people are suffering,” said Anna Mae Jorgensen, Women’s Services and Resources program coordinator. “We hope to rally support to stop the promotion of eating disorders.”
On “Mirrorless Monday,” all the mirrors in the Wilkinson Student Center restrooms will be covered to promote less focus on body image. Marleen Williams, a BYU counselor and professor of psychology, will present a lecture, “Moving Beyond an Eating Disorder Culture,” at noon in the Harold B. Lee Library Auditorium. Films featured in the Varsity Theatre of the Wilkinson Center will include “Still Killing Us Softly” at 11 a.m., “Slim Hopes” at noon and “Reviving Ophelia” at 1 p.m.
For “Toss ‘em Tuesday,” students are encouraged to bring old jeans that don’t fit to a bin in the Wilkinson Student Center. Sunny Olsen, a dietician from the BYU Health Center, will present a lecture, “Finding the Balance: Eating and Exercise,” at noon in the Lee Library Auditorium. The film “Still Killing Us Softly” will be repeated at noon in 3380 WSC.
On “No Weigh Wednesday,” students are encouraged to not weigh themselves. LaNae Valentine, director of Women’s Services, will present a lecture, “Disease to Please,” at noon in the Lee Library Auditorium. The film “Slim Hopes” will be repeated at noon in 3380 WSC.
“Speak Out Thursday” will be dedicated to speaking out to the media and advertisers about both destructive and positive things they are doing to promote a healthy body image. Students are invited to write letters to advertisers at a booth in the WSC. A survivors panel comprised of women who have gone through eating disorders and who have recovered will answer questions at 11 a.m. in the Lee Library Auditorium.
The final day of “National Eating Disorder Awareness Week” will be “Freedom Friday.” Students are encouraged to declare their “independence” from dieting and other behaviors that promote poor body image at a booth in the WSC. The film “Reviving Ophelia” will be repeated at noon in 3380 WSC.
For more information, contact Women’s Services and Resources at (801) 422-4877.
Writer: Angela Fischer
