Body Image
Positive Body Image
Body image refers to our perceptions of our bodies, including how we feel about them, how we fee in them, and our beliefs about our appearance. In our media saturated culture, we are surrounded by images of the “ideal” body type. It is easy to forget that the majority of these images are filtered, photoshopped, and are a sliver of somebody else’s reality. As a result, we tend to create a negative image about our own bodies and spiral into a cycle of shame, self-consciousness, and guilt. Our goal at the Women’s Center is to challenge these negative beliefs by creating a safe space for dialogue about reframing our purpose, treating ourselves with compassion, and celebrating our beautiful, unique body types.
Interested in learning more? The Women’s Center staff can provide an interactive presentation to your class or organization upon request.
Recognized annually the middle week of October, Love Your Body Week draws attention to the commercial objectification of women’s bodies and the promotion of unhealthy products and practices to achieve an ideal image of beauty. The beauty template that women and girls receive is narrow, unrealistic, and most importantly ingrained into their brains, leaving any woman who does not fit this template feeling inadequate. The Love Your Body campaign challenges the message that a woman’s value is best measured through her willingness and ability to embody current beauty standards.
Eating disorders affect a variety of people, regardless of age, race, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status, or background. The typical onset of eating disorders occurs during the college years. College is a time of independence and self-discovery, and while it is an exciting transition period, it also brings with it many changes and responsibilities which can trigger disordered eating behaviors; in fact, the rates of eating disorders in the college population has risen to 10-20% of females and 4-10% of males. Eating Disorders Awareness Week raises awareness about eating disorders and the resources available to help combat these serious illnesses.