Body Image Awareness Week at Mason

By Broadside Staff Writer Kristen White

There is always someone checking the fat grams and calories on food before it is eaten, going to the gym several times a day or checking their weight every morning. The average college student typically has an interest in refining one’s body or struggles to keep up with the acceptable body image of peers.

“Both boys and girls are exposed to negative body images and body expectations from the media and these images can create unhealthy and unrealistic expectations for their own body ideals,” said Danielle Lapierre, the assistant director of the Office of Alcohol, Drug and Health Education.

Eating disorders, such as bulimia, anorexia nervosa, and binge eating are serious problems in America and, more specifically, on college campuses. Skipping meals to reduce calorie intake, overeating, or not maintaining healthy images are dilemmas that many young women face to have the perfect body. Men also have problems with eating and exercising, where they tend to compulsively exercise or overeat.

The Eating Disorders and Body Image Concerns Task Force at George Mason University offers a lot of information on this subject, as well as an Eating & Body Image Quick Assessment where students can assess their own body image. The Counseling Center, Health Education Services and Student Health Services, all located on the second floor of Student Union Building I, are the offices where Lapierre recommends students with body image problems and concerns should seek help.

Positive Body Image Awareness Week, which begins today and runs through Feb. 27, will promote students to have healthier eating habits and to exercise.

“We want to encourage students to love their bodies, love themselves and recognize that all bodies are beautiful,” said Lapierre.

Jessica Costeines, author of BeYOUtiful, will be guest speaking today at 4:30 p.m. in Science and Tech Building I, Room 212 to talk about gaining more confidence.

For more information about other activities being held for Body Image Awareness Week contact Lapierre at dlapierr@gmu.edu.