University students along with the Student Health Center have found a way to commemorate national eating disorders awareness week through a campaign of positive body image and self-appreciation.

The Student Health Center took photographs last fall for its “I Heart Me” campaign that is running this week. The campaign focuses on positive body image and healthy living.

Students who participated in the promotion were photographed holding a poster naming a characteristic about themselves they particularly enjoy. Some students chose physical characteristics, like smiles, while others chose personality traits, like their sense of humor.

Registered dietitian at the Student Health Center Vanessa Richard said the issue of body image and eating disorders is prevalent in the college age group.

“There is so much influence on how we should look from the media, and it is a really unrealistic body type,” she said. “It drives this need for weight loss.”

Richard said more than 100 students turned out for the event.

No one is perfect, there is always going to be something we do not like about ourselves, she said, but the campaign focuses on the positive.

Dietetics junior Rachel Johnson was involved in the “I Heart Me” campaign last year with an “I Heart My Legs” sign and came back this year with an “I Heart My Hair” sign.

“I really think it is an important event, especially in a college setting,” Johnson said.

Johnson said she believes the event will promote acceptance and help eliminate criticism.

“[The event] is about learning how to be healthy and the best you can be. Everyone has different shapes and sizes, but the better you respect your body, the better you will be,” she said.

Johnson said she has enjoyed helping students feel comfortable in their own body.

Richard said the “I Heart Me” campaign has been conducted the past five years, always during eating disorders awareness week, and is usually held in conjunction with other events.

Some events this year include “Smash Talk” and “Southern Smash.”

“Smash Talk” is an open discussion to be held Thursday in Peabody Hall with leading body image and eating disorder experts. The talks aim to help students develop a positive body image and combat negative thoughts.

“Southern Smash” will be held Friday at Milton Wampold Park. Sledgehammers will be abundant at the event as women crush scales with their hammers. The event is designed to “literally and spiritually help free you from those burdens that weigh you down,” as the flier states.

Students with eating disorders can contact the Student Health Center to set up a consultation. The Health Center offers confidential advice on nutrition, medical care or dietetics.

“[The event] is about learning how to be healthy and the best you can be. Everyone has different shapes and sizes, but the better you respect your body, the better you will be.”