UndefeatED, a club on campus dedicated to spreading awareness about eating disorders, hosted two tabling events from Feb. 24 to Feb. 28 in recognition of Eating Disorder Awareness Week.
According to The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), Eating Disorder Awareness Week was created to bring attention to eating disorders, reduce stigma and provide education on treatments and prevention.
The UndefeatED tabling featured flyers for upcoming events designed to support students, as well as resources for those seeking help. Miranda Mazzella, a graduate student studying marketing and business analytics and a member of UndefeatED, played a key role in organizing the event.
“I would just like to spread awareness about the topic and give the students some resources for what they might need, if they need help or if they know someone going through some struggles,” Mazzella said. “And make it less of a harsh topic to talk about and more normalized.”
For college students in particular, understanding mental health disorders is essential to ensuring long-term well-being, according to Mazzella.
“I think college time, there is so much stress going on,” Mazzella said. “A lot of people move away to go to college, eating habits change—where you eat, what you eat—it’s all different, and who you’re surrounded by has a big effect on that.”
Educating students on eating disorders is crucial, especially given the many misconceptions on the topic, Mazzella said.
“A lot of people think that eating disorders is something you can just see right away on a person,” Mazzella said. “Really, it is a mental battle, and someone could be struggling with an eating disorder, and you could have no idea just based [on] their physical appearance.”
UndefeatED reminds students to be mindful and compassionate when discussing food and body image, as they may not be aware of what others are going through.
The rise of social media has also contributed to misinformation and unrealistic beauty standards among young adults. According to research, 40% of teens reported that images on social media caused them to worry about their image. Other studies also reveal that the more content consumed, the more concerns involving body image increases.
“There is definitely a heavy concentration on looking a certain way based [on] the people you follow or what you want to look like,” Mazzella said. “That often leads to people forcing their bodies into rigorous exercise or eating habits.”
Even if someone is not personally struggling, they can still offer support by listening and being understanding, Mazzella said. Since many people suffer in silence, it is important not to pry or pressure them into talking.
“You are never alone, and you are never the only one struggling,” Mazzella said. “There are resources to help you and there is always a way to get the help you need. There is always a way out.”
UndefeatED hosts events such as movement classes and educational meetings where they invite nutritionists and psychologists to speak. The club strives to normalize the conversations about eating disorders and create safe spaces where students feel comfortable discussing them.
For more information on UndefeatED and their upcoming events, check out their Instagram page, @undefeated_shu. For access to counseling for eating disorders on campus, the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is available for all students.
More information about eating disorders and a national hotline can be found on the National Eating Disorders Association website.
Morgan Dence is a writer for The Setonian’s Campus Life section. She can be reached at morgan.dence@student.shu.edu.
