Auburn University shows how looks don’t matter

When the image reflected in a mirror doesn’t fit society’s depiction of beauty, normal or fit, there can be dangerous consequences.

Some women as well as men, young as well as old, will do whatever it takes to achieve the perfect body, and at least 50,000 of them will die as a direct result of an eating disorder.

The prevalence of eating disorders nationwide prompted Auburn University graduate student Alan Duffy to help form AUBIE EDA last March. AU’s Body Image Education and Eating Disorders Awareness, in partnership with Auburn Women in Science, are hosting a number of events and activities throughout the week to generate awareness about the dangers of eating disorders, as well as to promote a healthy body image to Auburn’s students, faculty, and the general public.

At any university, Duffy said 15 to 20 percent of the population, including men, will experience some sort of eating disorder. After starting a similar program at the University of Georgia, he became convinced Auburn needed something after hearing conversations and seeing the lengths women on the Plains would go to for their looks. Seeing them risk their short term health by running when the summer temperatures are its daytime hottest was the worst.

“At a southern university, that’s big in athletics and Greek life, it’s not just eating disorders, but the concern about the way you look,” he said.

With a week of activities, Duffy said they hope to raise awareness on campus and in the general public. The highlight for the week might be Aimee Liu, who will talk on Monday night about her New York Times bestselling book, “Gaining: The Truth about Life after Eating Disorders.” Duffy considered Auburn lucky to acquire the high-demand author. After her stop on the Plains, Liu will travel to Rockville, Md., to speak at the National Institute of Mental Health.

“Her book is very useful to the average person and the researcher,” he said.

Duffy hopes the week provides accurate information about eating disorders and encourages others to be less conscious about body image, especially as it is depicted by society.

“No matter how hard you try, you will always be unhappy with (your body image),” Duffy said. “The idea (in a magazine) is unattainable. It isn’t real.”

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AUBIE EDA EVENTS
Sunday, 6:30 p.m., Foy 217 Exhibit Lounge: “All Auburn, All Beautiful,” a photo exhibition celebrating bodies of all shapes and sizes through a gallery of photographs.

Monday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Haley Concourse: A “Skinny Jeans” Drive to encourage students to donate old or new jeans that do not fit comfortably. The message of this drive is for everyone to start feeling comfortable in their “genes,” by wearing comfortable “jeans.” In conjunction with this, there will be opportunities throughout the week to engage in body drawings on the Haley Concourse. “Skinny Jeans” continues throughout the week.

6:30 p.m., Haley 2370 auditorium: Author and researcher Aimee Liu will speak about her acclaimed book, “Gaining: The Truth about Life after Eating Disorders.”

Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Toomer’s Corner: Candlelight vigil for those who lost their battles with eating disorders.

6:30 p.m., Broun Hall 238 auditorium: A public presentation, “Eating Disorders: The Facts,” is an opportunity to get accurate information about the signs, symptoms and treatment options of eating disorders.

Wednesday, 7 p.m., Spidle Hall 144: Screening of “Bridget Jones Diary” followed by panel discussion. Free food.

Friday, 6 p.m., Dudley B6: Screening of “The Devil Wears Prada.” Free food.

All events are free and open to the public.