EMU Student Self-Image Lower than National Average

EMU women surveyed experience eating disorders at a rate double the national average according to a recent questionnaire administered by the Student Health Advisory Counsel (SHAC). Results also revealed that nearly one third of male respondents have utilized a drug or supplement to gain muscle mass.

A total of 294 people responded to a recent online survey at EMU; 77 were male and 217 were female. The 14 piece questionnaire was exclusive to undergraduate students. Respondents remained anonymous. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, eating disorders can be defined as serious disturbances in eating behavior, such as excessive and unhealthy reduction of food intake or extreme overeating, as well as feelings of distress and concern about body shape or weight. Dieting to a body weight below what is medically considered healthy is highly endorsed by current fashion trends, advertisements for fad diets, and obtaining high status in certain professions.

The SHAC survey asked students if they have ever struggled with an eating disorder, 20% of women answered yes, double the national average. 11% of respondents said that they have used a drug or supplement to aid in weight loss. The National Institute of Mental Health believes that high rates of eating disorders may be alarming to some because afflicted persons tend to conceal their destructive behaviors.

One female EMU student believes that media is the main contributing factor to the high rates of eating disorders among college aged women. "Since we were little girls, Barbie dolls were shoved into our hands. How are we supposed to feel secure with ourselves after years of seeing unreasonable images we're expected to live up to?"

Ten percent of college aged women suffer from an eating disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The Eating Disorders Coalition claims that 78% of 18 year old women are unhappy with their bodies. High risk groups for body image issues include women ages 12-25, homosexual males, athletes, and persons suffering from depression and substance abuse.

The Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders, Inc. asserts that males contribute to 10% of eating disorder cases, and struggle with over-exercising to attain a muscular physique. According to the EMU survey, 4% of males who responded have struggled with an eating disorder. Twenty-nine percent of male respondents claimed that they had used a supplement or drug to gain muscle mass.

When asked which factor has the greatest effect on them when meeting someone new, 72% of survey respondents answered that emotional beauty makes the biggest impression over physical and spiritual beauty. Sixty-seven percent of people, however, claimed that they believed others were focusing on their physical beauty upon first impressions.

Although 79% of respondents rated their self-esteem at a six or higher on a scale from one to ten, the majority of persons surveyed felt that if something about their physical appearance could be altered, then they would have a higher self-esteem. On a scale from one to ten, 15% of respondents rated their body satisfaction at a four or less and 61% agreed that they wanted to lose weight. Thirty-seven percent of the students that answered the survey are currently attempting to lose weight.

To address negative body image for both males and females, the Student Health Advisory Committee will be hosting EMU's first Campaign for True Beauty. On Tuesday, Mar. 27th at 8:00, there will be a panel discussion addressing a wide variety of body image issues from weight loss to athletic performance. Panel speakers include Dave King, athletic director, Cindy Voth, RD/seminary student, Malerie Plank, Tara Altizer, and Josh Byler. Refreshments will be provided and there will be a showing of the documentary "Dying to Be Thin."

Wednesday, Mar. 28th at 7:00 in Strite Auditorium, a registered dietician and a counselor from Augusta Medical Center will present on body image and eating disorders; refreshments will be provided. The SHAC will also be selling "I am beautiful" t-shirts beginning Friday Mar. 23rd, and there will be a bulletin board in the campus center for students to share their thoughts on beauty.