In the United States, 28.8 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their lives. Eating disorders are serious, yet treatable, mental, and physical illnesses that affect individuals of all genders, ages, races, body shapes, and weights. Eating disorders are characterized by disturbances in behaviors, thoughts, and attitudes to food, eating, and body weight or shape.
According to the National Eating Disorder Association, 10-20% of female college students and 4-10% of male college students have an eating disorder. The need to spread and raise awareness on eating disorders is increasing in our society today.
Meg Burnham, Campus Dietitian, states “It’s important to spread awareness about eating disorders so that those who may be on a path towards an eating disorder can get the proper help, and to teach others how to approach someone they suspect has an eating disorder.”
Kelly Furr, NIU STEAM Educator, agrees that spreading awareness of eating disorders is important. “Often there are generalizations about what a person with an eating disorder looks like or acts like. However, many people are unaware about their relationship with food and how their eating habits affect them because they aren’t those typical stereotypes” She states.
To raise awareness, NIU participates in National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (NEDAW) each year. The week provides students with resources and activities to increase their knowledge and learn how they can make a difference. National Eating Disorder Awareness Week takes place Monday, Feb. 27 through Sunday, March 5. Students can participate in a variety of events throughout the next two weeks including:
- 2/20, 7PM: Mindfulness and You
- 2/21, 5PM: Mindful Cooking Class: Chicken Caprese Pasta
- 2/22, 5PM: Panel Discussion
- 2/23, 5PM: Body Positive Yoga
Staff from Counseling and Consultation Services and students from the Student Dietetic Association will be hosting information tables throughout the week at the Holmes Student Center, starting Monday, Feb. 27.
Associate Professor Henna Muzaffar, Ph.D., RD, Eating Disorder and Obesity Certificate facilitator at NIU, suggests students to participate in NEDAW activities at NIU to “increase awareness about the prevalence and symptomology of eating disorders.” She goes on to say, “NEDAW activities also break barriers for individuals to seek care as needed and find a comfortable space for them to share their experience with an eating disorder.”
Burnham similarly encourages students to participate in NEDAW events.
“I encourage students and staff to take some time and engage with us through our events. Chances are they’ll leave feeling better, physically and emotionally, and might just save a life.” Burnham says.
NIU offers a variety of resources outside of NEDAW to help students get access to the help they need.
NIU’s Counseling and Consultation Services provides students with mental health support on a wide variety of health and wellness topics. Students can call 815-753-1206 to start using counseling services.
Students interested in receiving one-on-one help regarding body image and eating concerns can sign up for Nutrition Coaching to receive the personalized help they need.
