This week, we’re taking a look at body issues among women and ways we can improve how we feel and think about ourselves.

So what do some college women think of their bodies?  According to the American College Health Association, 58% of college women reported trying to lose weight, despite only 36% describing themselves as slightly or very overweight.  Another 43% of college women reported that in the last 30 days, they dieted to lose weight.  Also, 27% of college women reported that in the last 12 months, their personal appearance was traumatic or very difficult for them to handle.

How can we improve on this?  University Health Services and Penn State Strength and Fitness are sponsoring a Love Your Body Week from 10/21-10/25 to encourage Penn State women to appreciate, nurture, respect, thank, and love their bodies.  We’re encouraging female students to join us at these events, which are all sponsored by the Laura R. Whitaker Fund.

Check out the schedule:

Mirrorless Fitness @ White Building

• Monday 10/21 – Friday 10/25- all fitness classes in room 117 White Building
• Celebrate your body by joining us for group fitness classes at the White Building. The mirrors in room 117 will be covered all week to help you focus on how your body feels and what it can achieve rather than how it looks.

Love Your Body Tabling with HealthWorks

• Monday 10/21 from 11-3 p.m. at HUB ground floor information tables
• Tuesday 10/22 from 11-3 p.m. at Rec Hall fitness center
• Thursday 10/24 from 11-3 p.m. at White Building fitness center
• Friday 10/25 from 11-3 p.m. at HUB ground floor information tables
• Join HealthWorks as they raise awareness about positive body image and eating disorders prevention. Stop by the table to share what you love about your body and to pick up free stuff, including Love Your Body mirror clings!

Healthy Eating Workshop with Stacy Jones, Registered Dietitian

• Thursday 10/24 from 4-5 p.m. in 132 White Building
• Become a champion of your health. Hear from Stacy Jones, Registered Dietitian, as she addresses nutrition that maximizes your workout. Bring your best nutrition questions for a Q&A session at the end.

According to research, body dissatisfaction is a primary risk factor for the development of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.¹ It’s estimated that over 20 million American women struggle with a clinically significant eating disorder.² Still others suffer from negative body image and disordered eating attitudes and behaviors.

Follow us on social media with the hashtag #loveyourbody and feel free to share your feelings and motivational quotes for the rest of Penn State women with the hashtag.