Eating
disorders impact up to 20 percent of college students. Many
more students struggle with feeling good about their
appearance and bodies. This peer education program is
designed to help students become educators for the Towson
community about eating disorders and to assist in improving
the body image of our students.
What type of training do students in the BIPE track receive?
The
training for this program is three, three-hour sessions and
involves opportunities for students to examine their own
beliefs about food and weight issues. Those who are
interested in being members of BIPE must be working on
having healthy relationships with food and their bodies in
order to be good role models for Towson students. Content
topics that are covered include:
The causes and consequences of eating
disorders.
The
influence of the media in the development of body image
and eating issues.
Basics of nutrition and exercise
Ways to
have a better relationship with food and body.
BIPE
students are trained in several different interactive programs
but students generate new programs based on the needs of the
campus.
Body Image 101: This program includes many of the components of Eating Disorders 101 but covers these issues less thoroughly in order to spend more time discussing body image issues. The role of the media in the development of body image issues is examined and the costs of pursuing our culture’s beauty ideal are explored.
Body Image and the Media: Movies, magazines and television give the message that we must look a certain way to be happy and loved. This message can lead to negative body image, and eating disorders. In this program the audience learns how to combat these messages and appreciate their body.
Body Image and Relationships: Does how you view body affect your close relationships? The media leads us to believe that we must look a certain way to be beautiful and accepted. We also get messages that we must behave and look certain ways based on our gender and sexuality. But is this accurate? This workshop includes interactive activities, helping participants learn ways to improve body image, and question myths our society holds about beauty.
Diet Mythbusting: Tired of trying diets that don’t work? Stop falling for diet lies. This workshop provides the latest information on diets and how to break out of the obsessed diet mentality.
Eating Disorders 101: This program explains eating disorders and provides an overview of the different types of eating disorders. Suggestions for ways to work on body image and food issues are provided as well as ways to help a friend with an eating disorder. The resources on campus are also discussed.
Fear Not the Freshman 15: This program works to dispel the myths of the Freshman 15 and provides the audience with helpful suggestions of ways to be healthy throughout college.
Friends Don’t Let Friends Fat Talk: Do I look fat in this? I wish I was thinner…Students engage in this type of conversation with each other on a daily basis, often believing that it is harmless to talk this way. Unfortunately, fat talk is toxic, possibly damaging to body image, food habits, and relationships with others.
Mirror of My Self: When you look in the mirror, do you acknowledge all of your strengths? Design mirrors with positive images and statements to combat fat talk. This art activity is aimed at appreciating the entire you.
Nutrition 101 for College Students: Are you eager for helpful information about healthy eating on campus? Then this is the program for you. Topics covered include mindful eating and deciphering your body’s nutritional needs.
Women of Color Weigh In: Join the Body Image Peer Educators for a lively discussion and activities aimed at understanding the role of the media and culture on body image, exploring issues around hair texture, skin color and body types.
What
activities are BIPE students engaged in?
BIPE
students are invited into classrooms and student group
meetings to deliver presentations on eating disorders and
related issues.
They may
also be involved in assisting staff members in delivering
programs to the larger Towson community during Love Your
Body Week and National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
BIPE members also organize and assist with campus events
such as the Great Jeans Giveaway.
8000 York Road | Towson, MD 21252 | 410-704-2000
