From Britney Spears' fluctuating weight to magazine covers offering tips on how to lose 10 pounds, modern culture is obsessed with the pursuit of a perfect body.
But events on campus today will combat unhealthy body image and encourage women to be more self-accepting.
Today is Love Your Body Day, a nationally recognized body awareness day that was created by the National Organization for Women (NOW) Foundation in 1998.
I see it as a proactive day to look at yourself and love yourself despite messages from the outside world telling you to alter yourself
said Suzanne Dietzel director of the Ohio University Women's Center.
The Center planned several events for the day.
Cards with messages such as love yourself will be handed out in Baker throughout the day. The Center will host an evening seminar featuring dietician Melissa Teeters, psychologist Deanna Potkanowicz and fitness director Libby Guenther.
Guenther, fitness director at Ping Center, said she plans to discuss good fitness and exercise information to help students take care of their bodies.
It's not about how you look but keeping your body healthy Guenther said. A lot of college girls do compare their bodies to others'
especially to images they see in the media
but a lot don't compare and realize they don't need to look like anyone else.
It's important to show that there are all different types of bodies out there
and we need to stop comparing ourselves
said Jen Schuller, graduate student and organizer of the Women's Center's event.
One in four college women have tried unhealthy methods to lose or control their weight and have body image issues, Schuller said.
Most people are susceptible to poor body image because they are trying to fit in, and culture rewards people for having the right body, Dietzel said. -
not perceive
so it's important to stop looking at yourself from the outside
Dietzel said. -
