National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

AM 820's Dr. Liz Hale ReportingIt's National Eating Disorders Awareness Week and the University of Utah held a "Love Your Body" celebration.

In the United States, as many as 10 million women and 1 million men are struggling with the devastating, life-threatening effects of eating disorders, like anorexia and bulimia. An estimated 80% of women aren't satisfied with their bodies. Last week, author Marilynn Wann spoke at the University of Utah regarding her book Fat!So?

Marilynn Wann, Author, Fat! So?: "I think growing up I never felt bad about my body, I just felt bad when people were mean to me about my body."

Author Marilynn Wann believes America needs a major attitude adjustment towards fat. She asserts that fitness contributes more to longevity than "the f-word."

Marilyn Wann: "If we take out weight as a goal and just have a goal of nutrition and regular exercise, then we win just by doing that. And health is actually supported by these good behaviors, regardless of weight change."

Wann says too often we struggle against our natural, genetically influenced size just to fit into that skinny pair of jeans. But being thin doesn't automatically equate with either health or happiness. In fact fighting our natural size can lead to unhealthy dieting practices and sometimes devastating eating disorders.

Marily Wann: "I think really feeling good in your body and treating your body well, and enjoying good variety of veggies and grains and nutrition is wonderful. Eating when you're hungry and stopping when you're full because our bodies are the ultimate authority on those topics."

That's probably the best advice of all: follow the cues of hunger, fullness, and nutrition rather than a strict diet.

Other tips include:

* Practice Size and Self-Acceptance. (Respect and appreciate the wonderful diversity of body shapes and sizes, rather some idealized weight or shape.)
* Eat Foods in Moderation. (Avoid labels of "good and bad" foods; most all foods have their advantages and it's important to vary what we eat.)
* Move Your Body (Find pleasure and health benefits in all physical activities rather than following a regimented exercise routine for the primary purpose of weight loss.)
* Discourage Extreme Perfectionism. (Parents, please be aware that children who are very "perfectionistic" are at high risk for eating disorders.) Tomorrow night, the University of Utah is hosting a panel discussion on eating disorders. The event is free.

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

Tuesday, February 28th 
12:00-1:00pm:
Ancient Images of Womanhood
Presented by Kristy Bartley
Women's Resource Center Food for Thought Series
293 Union, U of U 
<p>
February 28, 2006
5:30-6:30pm:
Eating Disorders and Motivation for Change: How You Can Support Your Child or 
Loved One
Presented by Dr. Mary Hales, New Life Centers
New Life Foundation (1255 E. 3900 S., 3rd Floor, Ste. 301, SLC) 
</p><p>
Wednesday, March 1st 
12:00-1:30pm:
Challenges and Rewards of Eating Disorder Recovery
Panel discussion presented by members of SPEAK (Students Promoting Eating 
Disorder Awareness and Knowledge)
East Ballroom, Union, U of U 
</p><p>
University Neuropsychiatric Institute
7:00-8:30pm:
"What You Need to Know About Eating Disorder Recovery"
The University Neuropsychiatric Institute's Eating Disorder Team presents a
Panel discussion led by Anne Marie O'Melia, M.D.
University Neuropsychiatric Institute (UNI) Cafeteria
Come see our art display of decorated jeans with inspiring messages about 
positive body image and hope about eating disorder recovery!
</p><p>
Thursday, March 2nd 
12:00-1:00pm:
Big Girls Don't Cry: A Perspective of Beauty from Women of Color
Panel discussion organized by CESA
293 Union, U of U </p>

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