Maryville College to host National Eating Disorder Awareness Week for the first time
Jan. 23, 2023
From Feb. 21 to 24, 2023, Maryville College will host National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (NEDA Week) for the first time.
Rachael Lawson ’23 is the leader behind the event. As a senior Health and Wellness Promotion major interning with the Counseling Center, Lawson’s passion for those recovering from eating disorders encouraged her to organize NEDA Week on the College’s campus.
“At 13, I received an eating disorder diagnosis, and as a part of the healing process, I was introduced to NEDA,” Lawson explained.
The purpose of NEDA Week, according to Lawson, is to provide an awareness of what eating disorders are and resources to those seeking support. Eating disorders are a psychological condition characterized by a person’s relationship with food. Eating disorders affect all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes and weights, according to NEDA.
During the week, there will be a lecture from a registered dietitian, Dr. Peggy Pratt of Radiant Nutrition, a “Smash the Scale” event, drop-in hours at the Counseling Center, and resources strategically placed around campus.
Dr. Pratt’s lecture will focus on defining eating disorders, sharing resources, and recommending support groups/treatment facilities in the area. Every class on campus on Feb. 21 will watch the pre-recorded lecture.
Pratt explained that “eating disorders are oftentimes not recognizable, and they fly largely under the radar until someone is very ill. Often, they are misunderstood and aggravated by diet culture and the way the world views the ‘perfect’ body shape and size.”
Cultural impact on eating disorders is at the forefront of the “Smash the Scales” event. Lawson described “Smash the Scales” as a way to celebrate and honor “loving your body and treating it with kindness.” The concept of the event is to promote loving oneself and promoting body positivity. Students are encouraged to bring their scales from their residence halls and homes. At the event, students will write negative statements they say about themselves on the scales and will be provided with proper equipment to literally and safely “smash” their scales. “Smash the Scales” will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Feb. 22, in Humphreys Court.
On Feb. 21 and 23, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Dr. Steeves’s Sport and Exercise Nutrition course will present research-based posters in Thaw Hall. Poster topics will include:
- the prevalence of eating disorders in the general population and athletes by gender;
- diagnostic criteria and common comorbidities of eating disorders;
- health and performance consequences of eating disorders: The Female Athlete Triad (“the Triad”) and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S); and
- screening and treatment of eating disorders in athletes and prevention of eating disorders among athletes.
These posters will work in tandem with Lawson’s informational “tabling” taking place at the same time.
On Feb. 24, the Counseling Center will offer drop-in hours from 1 until 4 p.m. to speak with all interested students, faculty and staff seeking resources.
Lawson explained that through NEDA Week she hopes everyone will realize that they are never alone and there is always support available: “Even at the darkest hours, when you feel you are not enough, never be scared or ashamed to ask for help.”
Physical resources, such as pamphlets, will be available all week around campus. For more information on NEDA Week, email Lawson at rachael.lawson@my.maryvillecollege.edu.