Rylie Rosier
Staff
Not many people realize that around nine percent of the American population suffers from a diagnosed eating disorder.
At first glance, this number does not look very big. However, in Snow Colleges population of 4,274 it can be estimated that there are around 385 students with a diagnosed eating disorder.
This number only includes those who have been diagnosed. Many people do not understand the dangers of eating disorders, or what exactly an eating disorder is.
Many people merely think of eating disorders as someone who starves themselves, but eating disorders can range from binge eating to anorexia nervosa. Binge eating is a pattern of frequent over-eating and unhealthy weight gain while anorexia is it’s opposite with the lack of food and intense weight loss. An eating disorder could be classified as any unhealthy relationship with food.
An article from Mayo Clinic explains that “Eating disorders are serious health conditions that affect both your physical and mental health.”
National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (NEDA) is focused on helping people understand what an eating disorder is and how to help. This year it took place February 24 through March 2.
The Healthy Badgers threw several activities in honor of NEDA, the first being Words That Heal.
Students were invited to the GSC to write positive things about their bodies, and those sticky notes were later hung on the window of the student life office.
The next activity was Intuitive Eating, where therapists explored mindful eating with students. They held a guided activity to reflect on what the body might be saying and how to listen.
The last activity of the week was held at the clocktower, where members of the Healthy Badgers went through the MyPlate diet that helps students to remember what is good for one's body.
Roxy Ross, one of the Healthy Badgers behind these activities, explained that her purpose for these activities was “...to spread the word of don’t forget to eat, take care of yourself.”
The Healthy Badgers were able to make National Eating Disorder Awareness Week helpful for students to learn about eating disorders and remember that everyone is wonderful as they are.
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