University creates eating disorder awareness

The University of Northern Iowa will be participating in National Eating Disorder Awareness Week Feb. 22-26. 

The purpose of the college campaign is “to educate and prevent eating disorders, while encouraging acceptance of individual body types.” 

Joan Thompson, health educator for UNI Wellness and Recreation Center, is the leader of the University Health Services’ promotion of the events.

A variety of events will create awareness of the danger surrounding eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia and binge eating. A mobile display will travel around campus and allow students to step on a scale and view words of affirmation instead of a weight.  Free educational material as well as free small mirrors with supportive messages will be handed out to participants. 

Tuesday will see an eating disorder screening that runs from 3 to 5 p.m. in WRC room 104.  The screening takes 20 to 30 minutes, and Thompson encourages both men and women to get screened. 

From 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, a presentation on healthy body image and behavior called “Finding a Balance” will be shown.  The subject matter includes warning signs of potential problems and ways to lead a balanced life.  This is the only event of the week that requires sign-up; anyone interested can do so by calling (319) 273-6119.

Thompson has had to help several people overcome their eating disorders, so this awareness campaign strikes home for her.

“I’d like to see a variety of shapes,” she said. “There needs to be less focus on body shape, and more on the person.” 

She noted that many people who may look trim or healthy are miserable because of the measures they put themselves through.  The connection of statements like, “have you lost weight?” to positive affirmation of physical appearance can drive individuals to push themselves to lose more weight, even at the risk of self-harm.

Thompson does not think that those who buy into the “supermodel look,” either by trying to emulate it or by considering it to be attractive, are weak-minded in any way.  She believes it is the natural result of being battered with constant imagery promoting skinniness on the part of women and chiseled bodies on the part of men.

“You cannot judge someone’s health by the size of their body,” Thompson said.

She has known many people who defy the reigning stereotypes of “fit,” like plump men with excellent heart health and blood pressure, or thin people who lack athleticism.

Thompson encourages anyone who has questions or seeks help to not hesitate in contacting her either by phone at (319) 273-2137 or by email at joan.thompson@uni.edu.