Body Acceptance and Eating Disorders:
An Information and Resource Guide
How do you feel about your body?
Chances are you probably don't think it's good enough.
Too fat, too skinny, too big, too small, not muscular enough-bottom line, you're not happy with it. This mania may stem partly from a steady diet of TV and magazine images where bodies are always in "perfect shape". Though many of us acknowledge that we cannot achieve model "perfection" (after all, we don't have make-up artists, personal trainers, fashion designers, and professional photographers at our beck and call), we still behave like we can attain perfection, if only we'd try harder.
To what extent do you buy into it?
Do You...
- Try to eat zero grams of fat?
- Expect every inch of your body to be toned?
- Constantly compare yourself to others?
- Diet like crazy two weeks before spring break?
- Feel guilty after eating something high in fat?
- Weigh yourself one or more times a day?
The good news is that you can become happy with your body and yourself!
The organizations in this booklet are committed to helping UF students move from an attitude of body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, food preoccupation, or exercise obsession to body acceptance. They provide free and confidential services to currently enrolled UF students. Whether you need help with food, would like to learn how to exercise in a healthy manner, or would like to educate others on body acceptance, we have something for you in the pages ahead.
True or False
- I lie about what I eat.
- I feel in control of myself if I restrict the amount of calories, food and/or fat I eat.
- I spend a lot of time worrying about food and fat.
- I often feel anxious or guilty after I eat a food that is high in fat.
- I go on eating binges and don't stop eating until I feel sick.
- I would rather die than be fat.
- I feel fat even though people tell me I'm thin.
- I believe that being in control of my food shows others than I am in control of my life.
- I have a secret stash of food.
- If I eat something "bad," I compensate by trying to exercise the calories away.
- I have taken laxatives or forced myself to vomit after eating.
- I won't admit, but sometimes I think that my eating/exercising is not normal.
# True
- 1-3 : You have some preoccupation with food and eating. Get more information about healthy eating and weight change. The Health Education Office at the Infirmary is a good place to start. If your preoccupation increases, seek the help of a counselor.
- 4-6 : There is reason for concern. Check with a counselor and share your situation. Recommendations will be given. Call the Eating Disorders Program, (352) 392-1161, ext. 4231, or the University Counseling Center, (352) 392-1575.
- over 6 : You are greatly jeopardizing your physical and/or psychological health. Qualified, compassionate help is available. Call either the Eating Disorders Program, (352) 392-1161, ext. 4231, or the Counseling Center, (352) 392-1575, as soon as possible. For a medical evaluation, contact the Student Health Care Center, (352) 392-1161, ext. 4224.
Assessment & Treatment
Services are provided to UF students. Assistance with off-campus referrals is available for non-UF students.
Student Mental Health Service
Eating Disorders Program
Infirmary, (352) 392-1161, ext. 4231
An interdisciplinary team of clinical providers offers students psychological and medical evaluation, psychiatric
consultation, nutritional consultation, individual and group counseling, and health monitoring.
University Counseling Center
301 Peabody Hall, (352) 392-1575
The Counseling Center provides assessment and individual and group counseling for eating disorders. Counseling provides
an opportunity for understanding and resolving the underlying issues that cause problematic eating behaviors. Group
counseling is especially valuable for helping women realize that they are not alone in their struggle and recovery.
Counseling Center staff are knowledgeable about a wide variety of helpful resources and offer consultation and referral
to students, faculty and staff. Services are available to students and their partners/spouses.
Nutrition Counseling Services
Student Health Care Center
Infirmary, (352) 392-1161, ext. 4281
Comprehensive nutritional counseling services are available to currently enrolled UF students at no charge at the Student Health
Care Center. A licensed, registered dietitian provides nutritional assessment and counseling for eating disorders and other medical
conditions like high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes and anemia. Individual and group educational sessions on healthy
eating, fat facts, low- fat cooking, weight change, dining out, and vegetarianism are offered regularly.
Medical Services
Student Health Care Center
(352) 392-1161, ext. 4224
Evaluation by physicians for characteristics and complications of disordered eating is available. Laboratory evaluation and
consistent follow-up appointments for medical management of each patient are arranged. Medical care is coordinated with counseling
and nutrition consultants.
Education & Programs
Health Education Department, Student Health Care Center
Infirmary,(352) 392-1161, ext. 4281
The Health Education Department offers programming, written materials, videos, and referrals on nutrition, eating disorders, and body
acceptance. Health educators and dieticians present programs to student groups and organize events encouraging healthy attitudes toward
food, fat and weight change. They are available for consultation and can assist you in designing programs and events tailored for your
group.
You can meet privately with the health educator to learn about eating disorders, nutrition, weight change and stress management issues.
They can tell you about resources and services available, and educate you on how you can help a friend who may be having problems with
body dissatisfaction, disordered eating or over exercise.
S.A.V.E. Peer Educators, Student Health Care Center
Infirmary, (352) 392-1161, ext. 4261
email: SAVE@nervm.nerdc.ufl.edu
S.A.V.E. (Society's Attitudes and Values about Eating) is a group of UF students who promote "body acceptance"-respecting your body
regardless of current shape or size. They passionately believe that judging people by their physical appearance is detrimental to an
individual's well-being and health of our culture. As a group they are striving to make UF a "body-friendly" campus by conducting
programs and sponsoring events which promote a positive attitude towards food, fat and one's body and appreciation of people of all sizes.
Students of any academic major, age, race, gender, and body size are welcome to join. Contact them for more information on requirements
and the application process.
University Counseling Center
301 Peabody Hall, (352) 392-1575
The Counseling Center provides presentations on eating disorders and related underlying issues such as self-esteem, perfectionism, and
family and relationship problems. Presentations can be arranged for academic classes, residence halls, sororities, fraternities, and other
student groups. If you would like to request a presentation, contact the Outreach Coordinator by dropping by the Counseling Center in 301
Peabody Hall or calling (352) 392-1575.
Women's Affairs-Panhellenic Council
300-59 JWRU, (352) 392-1633
The Women's Affairs Division of the Panhellenic Council provides information regarding women's issues for members of UF's Greek system in
the form of programming and literature distribution. For more information, or to suggest programs, contact the Panhellenic office by phone
at (352) 392-1633, by FAX at (352) 392-1616, or by writing to P.O. Box 118505, Gainesville, Florida, 32611-8505.
Student Government Women's Affairs and Health Cabinets
300-54 JWRU, (352) 392-1665, ext. 305
The Women's Affairs Cabinet and the Health Cabinet of Student Government both work to offer educational programming in health-related
issues to all students at the University of Florida. In the past, the Health Cabinet has been involved in CPR Day, Alcohol Awareness,
Great American Smoke-Out, World AIDS Day, and Student Government Health Week. Programs sponsored by the Women's Affairs Cabinet include
Women's Wellness Week and Rape Awareness Month. Applications for staff are accepted year-round. For more information, please call (352) 392-1665,
ext. 305.
Recreational Sports/Fitness
Student Recreation & Fitness Center, (352) 392-0581, ext. 221
SRFC/Lifestyle Appraisal Center, (352) 392-0581, ext. 224
Southwest Recreation Center, (352) 846-1081
The Student Recreation & Fitness Center (just north of the infirmary) and the Southwest Recreation Center (located on Hull Road across from
the Center for the Performing Arts) are funded by Student Government and the College of Health and Human Performance. Numerous recreation
and fitness programs are offered to help individuals reach their fitness goals through safe and effective means. The Lifestyle Appraisal
Center, located on the first floor of the Student Recreation & Fitness Center, offers personal appointments for students to assess their
present fitness level and to provide exercise programs. Gator Walkers, Stadium Stompers, and Gatoractive are the other valuable programs
available to help individuals develop a healthy exercise routine to complement their lifestyle.
A one-on-one trainer is available in the Strength & Conditioning rooms at both centers. A one-on-one trainer will take you through an
individualized exercise program. Intramural activities, sports clubs, and many Gatorobics classes are available to satisfy many different
interests.
Department of Housing and Residence Education
(352) 392-2161
The Department of Housing and Residence Education staff provide educational programs on a variety of subjects related to personal and health issues including eating
disorders. Students who live in a residence hall are encouraged to participate in these programs. Please contact your residence hall staff
for more information.
Body Acceptance Events
Body Acceptance Week consists of a week of educational programs and activities to help female and male students respect their current
body shape and size, set realistic expectations, and make healthy choices for change. In past years, programs on healthy eating, changing
body shape and size, making peace with food, the effects of steroids, how to help a friend with an eating disorder and size discrimination
have been offered. This week is typically held the third week of February.
Fat-Free Fridays are sponsored each semester by the S.A.V.E. peer educators. Their message is to free oneself from "fat-talk"
(talking about fat in food or in one's body as bad). Facts about the essential role a moderate amount of fat plays in one's diet and one's
body are distributed along with chocolate bars and other yummy, fat-containing treats.
Call (352) 392-1161, ext. 4281 for more information about, or to participate in, the next body acceptance event.
Helping A Friend
Worried about a friend, roommate or family member who shows signs of eating disorders? Signs may include preoccupation with food, excessive worry about weight, constant dieting, restricted food intake, binge-eating, or purging (throwing up, taking laxatives, fasting or over-exercising). Here's how you can help:
- Ask yourself, "What are the specific behaviors that 1 am concerned about?" Consult a professional if you are not sure whether there is an eating problem.
- Plan how you will discuss your concerns. Pick a quiet place, free of distractions. Use "I" messages that express your concern about specific behaviors or changes such as: 'I'm worried when I see you (exercising three times a day, criticizing your appearance, withdrawing into your room) and I would like to help." Make it clear that you are approaching him or her out of concern. Offer to support or accompany your friend in seeking professional assistance.
- Show caring, support and continued friendship by listening and attempting to understand your friend's perceptions about the situation, now and later. Refrain from judging, criticizing, analyzing, making light of the problem, making comments about weight or appearance, or giving advice like "You are thin enough!"
- Expect your friend to deny that there is a problem. People often experience eating disorders as shameful, embarrassing, and hard to acknowledge. Simply state that you are still concerned about what you've observed. If your friend does not respond or seek help immediately, you still have done your pan. He or she may seek help in the future.
- Don't monitor your friend's eating/purging behaviors or exclude him or her from events involving eating. Express appreciation for your friend's inner qualities. Learn about eating disorders and the services available for treatment. Inform your friend where to go for help.
- Get support for emotions that you experience (impatience, frustration, anger, helplessness, fear). Take care of yourself. Don't try to change your friend's eating or exercising behavior (hiding certain foods) or try to fix his or her problems. Eating disorders rarely have a "quick fix". Remember that the disordered eating is just one part of your friend's life and does not "explain" all of his or her behaviors.
If you have questions or need to talk with someone regarding a friend who may have an eating disorder, contact one of the following:
- University Counseling Center, 301 Peabody Hall, (352) 392-1575
- Eating Disorders Program, Infirmary, (352) 392-1161, ext. 4231
- Health Education Office, Infirmary, (352) 392-1161, ext. 4281
Books for Helpers
- Surviving an Eating Disorder: Strategies for Family and Friends. Michele Siegel, Judith Brisman, and Margot Weinshel.
- Fat is a Family Affair: A Hope-Filled Guide for Those who Suffer from Eating Disorders and Those who Love Them. Judi Hollis.
Self-help Resources
For a more extensive list of resources with brief descriptions, pick up a free copy of "Body Acceptance and Eating Disorder Resources" in the Health Education Office of the Student Health Care Center, Infirmary.
Books
- The Beauty Myth. Naomi Wolf.
- Body Traps. Judith Rodin.
- Hooked on Exercise: How to Understand and Manage Exercise Addiction. Rebecca Prnssin, Philip Harvey, and Theresa Fay DiGeronimo.
- Making Peace With Food. Susan Kano.
- Reviving Ophelia. Mary Pipher.
- Outsmarting the Female Fat Cell: The First Weight Control Program Designed Specifically for Women. Debra Waterhouse.
- Overcoming Overeating: Living Free in a World of Food. Jane Hirschmann and Carol H. Munter.
Videos
Available for viewing in the Health Education Office, Infirmary.
- Perfect Body. 14 min.
- Mirror, Mirror. 24 min.
- The Famine Within. 55 min.
- Slim Hopes. 30 min.
- Afraid to Eat: Eating Disorders & the Student-Athlete. 7 min.
Do I Respect My Body?
True or False
- I rarely talk negatively about my body.
- I do not weigh myself more than once a week.
- If appearance did'nt matter, I would still exercise the same amount that I do now.
- I rarely compare my looks or body to others.
- I rarely feel guilty or anxious after eating a high fat food.
- I can accept a compliment about my appearance.
- If I had to do things that were unhealthy (fasting, taking laxatives, throwing up) in order to change my weight, I would choose not to do them.
- I feel happy or content, for the most part, with my life at this time.
- I wouldn't panic if I gained a few pounds.
- For the most part, I am satisfied with my current body shape and size.
# True
- 8-10 : You seem satisfied with your body! Be a role model for others.
- 4-7 : You may be a little too self-critical. Get more information in the Health education Office, Infirmary, (352) 392-1161 ext. 4281.
- 0-3 : We encourage you to work toward a more positive body image. Call the eating Disorders Program at (352) 392-1161, ext. 4231, or the University Counseling Center at (352) 392-1575.
The Eating Disorders Task Force
The University of Florida Eating Disorders Task Force was created in 1987 by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. Its purpose is to coordinate educational programs and treatment services for body image and eating disorders within the university community. It has student, faculty and staff representatives from the following UF organizations: University Counseling Center, Student Health Care Center, Student Recreation and Fitness Centers, Panhellenic Council, University Athletic Association, Department of Housing and Residence Education, Student Government Women's Affairs Cabinet, the Office of Student Activities, and the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.
History and Accomplishments
- Spring 1987 - Sorority Presidents approach the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs with concerns about eating disorders in their chapters. University-wide Task Force created.
- Summer 1987 - Student and staff training conducted. SELF (Student Education for Lifelong Fitness) peer education group created to present programs in the sororities.
- Fall 1987 - First campus-wide eating disorders forum held.
- Fall 1988 - Survey conducted examining the extent of disordered eating among a sorority population.
- Fall 1989 - Participation in National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
- 1990 - SAVE (Society's Attitudes and Values about Eating) peer education program created to target non-Greek populations.
- 1991 - Susan Kano, author of "Making Peace with Food," spoke on campus.
- 1993 - Campus-wide health event, "Eating Disorders Awareness Days" coordinated by the Task Force.
- 1994 - "Body Acceptance Week" replaces "Eating Disorders Awareness Days" as UF's annual awareness event.
- 1995 - "Body Acceptance and Eating Disorders: An Information and Resource Guide" produced and published by the Task Force.
- 1996 - Participated in the "National Eating Disorders Screening Program"
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Eating Disorders Task Force, contact Helen Mamarchev, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, 129 Tigert Hall, (352) 392-1265.
Body acceptance & Eating Disorders Resources
University Resources
UF resources available for currently enrolled students. Referrals to other agencies available for non-UF students.
- Eating Disorders Program - Student Health Care Center, Infirmary: (352) 392-1161, ext. 4231
- University Counseling Center - Room 301, Peabody Hal: (352) 392-1575
- Health Education Dept. - Student Health Care Center, Infirmary: (352) 392-1161, ext. 4281
- S.A.V.E. Peer Educators - Student Health Care Center, Infirmary: (352) 392-1161, ext. 4261
- Student Recreation and Fitness Center: (352) 392-0581 ext. 221
- Southwest Recreation Center: (352) 846-1081
- Student Government Women's Affairs Cabinet - 300-54 J. Wayne Reitz Union: (352) 392-1665, ext. 305
- Women's Affairs-Panhellenic Council - 300-59 J. Wayne Reitz Union: (352) 392-1633
- Department of Housing and Residence Education: (352) 392-2161
Community Resources
- Alachua County Crisis Center (24 hour hotline) - 730 N. Waldo Rd. Ste. 100, Gainesville, FL 32601: (352) 264-6789
- Overeaters Anonymous: (352) 491-5069
Strive for Body Acceptance
- Respect your body regardless of its current shape or size.
- Set realistic expectations for changing it.
- Understand its strengths and limitations.