reflections
Tri Delta, national college sorority, has created an eating disorder program called Reflections, that is meant to create positive body image. Everyone who joins the sorority attends Reflections during orientation. The program includes discussions, activities, and exercises that emphasize healthy eating and exercise. The group also discusses self-esteem and body image. Participants are encouraged to interpret and question the messages of social media. They learn that a person does not need to be physically flawless to be accepted. Tri Delta also runs an annual campaign called "Fat Free Talk Week" in which sorority members vow to not "fat talk" for five days. This entails saying only positive things about their bodies. Participants cannot criticize their own bodies or talk about diets. They can't listen to others call themselves fat either. According to Tri Delta, "Friends don't let friends Fat Talk."
The body project
Eric Stice and his research team from the Oregon Research Institute created the Body Project. This educational movement was developed to lessen the chance of eating disorders in young people. The Body Project teaches about healthy weight, and the "thin ideal." The "thin ideal" is the idea that thin is beautiful. It makes people think that they need to be skinny, and it causes low self-esteem and poor body image. The Body Project is being used in high schools and colleges all over the country. The program allows individuals to question the "thin ideal" and to learn about the common attitude that thinness is associated with happiness. The Body Project also teaches young people to have self-confidence and to eat and exercise healthily. Once teens have completed the educational piece of the program, they become "body activists." Body activists create small nonviolent acts that demonstrate how body shape and weight to not determine self-worth. An example of this is hanging motivational posters in school hallways to fight poor self-image.
Healthy weight program
Eric Stice considers obesity and eating disorders different sides of the same problem. This problem occurs when neurotransmitters in the brain are defective, leading to an abnormal relationship with food. Stice has created a program called Healthy Weight, which highlights healthy eating, not dieting. People in the program learn how to eat less unhealthy foods, and more nutritious foods. They are also taught how to gradually add exercise to their lifestyle. The program happens over time and is meant to be a permanent change of lifestyle, rather than a temporary and destructive diet. Healthy Weight gives teens a healthier perspective on food and body image.
What can you do?
People who do not have eating disorders should be conscious of a culture that instigates eating disorders. They should never bully or tease anyone about their weight or body shape, because this can lead to the development of an eating disorder. People should also watch out for magazines that promote unnatural thinness through models, and dieting corporations that encourage people to change their appearance. It is important not to listen to the messages of social media and to embrace who we are. Although universal programs prevent eating disorders, there are also multiple ways for teens to independently create a healthy lifestyle and protect themselves from these illnesses. In order to maintain healthy living and a good body image, teens should follow the tips suggested by The Center for Young Women's Health at Children's Hospital in Boston. Professionals at the center say that teens should respect themselves mentally and physically. They should stay true to who they are and not try to look like models. Teens should not diet or think about weight, calories, and food. They should try to eat healthy foods, and make eating a positive experience. Teens should also learn how to deal with negative feelings and stress in a way other than food. The center suggests talking to friends and family, listening to music, participating in a sport, or doing crafts.
Advertisements preventing eds
These advertisements were created to create awareness about eating disorders and help to prevent them.