By Jill Yesko , University Relations
For millions of women and men, accepting their bodies—no matter what shape they are in—is a daily struggle.
With television shows such as “The Biggest Loser” extolling competitive weight loss and celebrities celebrated for their extreme physiques, it’s no wonder Americans don’t know whether to love or hate their bodies, says Jill Shaw, a registered dietician and nutritional educator with Student Health Services at UNCG.
Shaw, who counsels students on how to achieve healthy eating habits and accept their bodies, will present a multi-media presentation titled “Dying to Look Good: How the Media Promotes Negative Body Image and Unhealthy Behaviors” on national Love Your Body Day, Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 12:30 p.m. in the Elliott University Center at UNCG. Shaw uses commercials and ads to show how the popular media makes people believe their bodies are unacceptable and need constant improvement.
The presentation is part of “Love Your Body Week” which runs from Monday to Friday, Oct. 16-20, at UNCG and is sponsored by the Women’s and Gender Studies Program. The week consists of programs, performances and activities to raise awareness about body issues and promote healthy alternatives that encourage positive body images.
Other activities during the week include the movie “Real Women Have Curves,” a belly dance workshop and performances of the Tony-award winning play “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf.” All events are open to the public.
“Obsession with weight loss and weight gain continues to plague college campuses,” says Shaw. “Students exaggerate the ‘freshman 15’ weight gain. In reality, it’s generally more like seven pounds. It’s part of the body distortion image.”
For further information and full events schedule, contact the Women’s and Gender Studies Program (336) 334-5673.
