UCF will host a variety of events on February 23-27 to promote healthy eating habits and positive body image to the student community as part of the National Eating Disorder Awareness (NEDA) Week.
Some activities will include “Love Your Body through Exercise” yoga and cardio dance classes, a panel on body image concerns and eating concerns across cultures, a meet and greet with therapy dogs to provide unconditional love, a healthy eating cooking demonstration, as well as a workshop promoting self-acceptance and how to seek help for eating concerns.
Body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors are a common problem on college campuses all over the country. They affect both men and women of all backgrounds and identities. They cause people to overeat, under-eat, exercise excessively, and/or utilize extreme methods to facilitate weight control, which can lead to medical complications. The guilt and feeling of shame associated with these issues often prevents people from seeking help.
Schools across the country are dedicating time to this sensitive issue in honor of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. UCF is committed to increase awareness, offer support and provide treatment options to those dealing with eating concerns.
“NEDA Week is an opportunity for students to come together and build a culture of self and body acceptance on this campus,” said Susan Tweeten, CAPS coordinator of the events for the week. “We also want to make students aware that if that if they are struggling with eating or body concerns, there is help for them here at UCF.”
The week events will be hosted by a collaboration of Student Development and Enrollment offices including Counseling and Psychological Services; Health Services; Wellness and Health Promotion Services; Recreation and Wellness Center; and the student organization, Project Heal.
For a schedule of events, see the event flyer located at www.hs.ucf.edu/.