Posted: February 9, 2012
Third Annual All Sizes Fit Week -
A Positive Body Image Campaign at the University of Oregon
February 13-17, 2012
All Sizes Fit was created in 2009 because the unrealistic beauty standards in our society are leading young men and women on a dangerous path towards unhealthy behaviors surrounding weight and shape. All Sizes Fit aims to increase body positivity and acceptance on campus while raising disordered eating and body dsymorphia awareness.
Media messages such as advertising and celebrity spotlights help our culture define what is beautiful and what is “good”. These outside influences have caused there to be, on average, 10 million people in the United States who struggle with a clinically diagnosed eating disorder. This number has now surpassed many other diseases such as Alzheimer's which, on average, affects 4 million people1. However, many more people struggle with body image issues, disordered eating habits and are in a constant and dangerous battle against their weight, shape and appearance.
The media’s power over our development of self-esteem and body image can be incredibly strong. Americans spend more than 40 billion dollars a year on dieting and diet-related products - that’s roughly equivalent to the amount the U.S. Federal Government spends on education each year2. In addition, males’ drive for “masculinity” has lead to 7% of 12th grade males have used steroids in order to become more muscular2.
People with a negative body image have a greater likelihood of developing an eating disorder and are more likely to suffer from feelings of depression, isolation, low self-esteem, and obsessions with weight loss. While a positive body image is a clear, true perception of your shape, celebration and appreciation of your natural body shape and the understanding that a person’s physical appearance says very little about their character and value as a person.
Feel comfortable and confident in your body at any of the All Sizes Fit events.
Resources:
1. National Institutes of Health. (2005): http://www.nih.gov/news/fundingresearchareas.htm
2. Dosomething.org. “11 Facts About Body Image”.
Events
Weeklong Events
“Wall of Fame and Shame” Art Display of positive and negative portrayals of bodies and cultural stereotyping at the EMU
“Love Your Genes Drive” embrace your size and donate clothes that do not fit. Proceeds go to Womenspace, Goodwill and St. Vincent de Paul.
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Explore body image issues and eating disorders in the EMU. Sign the No Fat Talk Pledge and get some All Sizes Fit gear!
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Stop by the Student Recreation Center to sign the No Fat Talk Pledge!
Monday February 13th
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Showing of the yet to be released documentary “America the Beautiful 2: The Thin Commandments” followed by Q&A with Carolyn Costin in PLC 180
Tuesday February 14th
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Test your Fitness with a CrossFit challenge offered by the Student Recreation Center on Gerlinger Field (weather permitting) or Gerlinger 220
4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Free Yoga by the Recreation Center in Gerlinger 219
7:00 p.m. “Body Image: Advocating for Ourselves and Others” Panel and Discussion on body image issues in the LGBTQ community in LGBTQA office 34 EMU
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Wednesday February 15th
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Showing of the yet to be released documentary “Miss Representation” followed by facilitated discussion in Pacific 123
Thursday February 16th
2:00 p.m. Free Yoga in the Student Recreation Center room 77
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. University Counseling Center presents “Body Image: Advocating for Ourselves and Others” in McKenzie 221
7:00 p.m. Speaker Patrick Bergstrom “I Choose to Live: the Story of a Fallen Athlete” in PLC 180
Friday February 17th
4:00 p.m. Zumba Party by the Recreation Center in Student Recreation Center room 41