UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Health Promotion and Wellness (HPW) and Healthworks, a peer health education group, will host three events from March 21 to 24 to help raise awareness about eating disorders.
The events are being held to observe National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, which officially took place from Feb. 27 to March 5.
“Penn State offers resources for students who are struggling with concerns about body image and disordered eating,” said Erin Raupers, assistant director of Health Promotion and Wellness. “This week's events are designed to raise awareness about eating disorders and increase the likelihood that students know where to turn to get help."
According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), eating disorders are serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights. In the United States, 28.8 million people will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their lives.
Eating Disorders Awareness Week at Penn State will have the following events:
Tuesday, March 21
"Love Letters to our Bodies" — 2 to 4 p.m. in the HUB Main Lounge, Table 4
Write a thank you letter to your body for all the incredible things it does for you. Peer Educators will be giving out body image workbooks and providing information about body image and eating disorder resources available on campus.
Wednesday, March 22
"Well-Being Wednesday: Eating Disorders Awareness Table" — 4 to 6 p.m. in the Intramural (IM) Building Lobby
Learn about common myths and misconceptions about eating disorders and how you can help a friend who has an eating disorder. Information will be provided regarding campus services and national resources for eating disorder recovery.
Friday, March 24
"Workshop: How to Help a Friend with an Eating Disorder" — 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in 131 HUB-Robeson Center
Learn about steps on how to talk with a friend who may have an eating disorder, resources available on campus and ways to foster a body-positive environment.
For more information about eating disorders — including the resources and support available at Penn State — visit Penn State Healthy Eating and Living Support (HEALS). Additional information is available on the NEDA website.