The LSU Student Health Center hosted an event Friday to help students create a positive relationship with food and their body image and trash their insecurities.

At the event, students could write down their biggest insecurity and metaphorically – and literally – throw it in the trash. There was also a whiteboard where students could write what made them most proud of themselves. Together, the Health Center used these activities to promote balanced nutrition, healthy relationships with food and positive body images.

“Writing down what I’m most proud of myself was very powerful to me,” said Sophia Janicki, a freshman finance student.

The goal of the event was to support eating disorder awareness, body acceptance and neutrality and increase student awareness of campus resources.

Students aiming to improve their relationship with food or their body image can seek information about the topic from reliable sources. However, some may need more individualized help, such as support from a mental health provider or a multidisciplinary team, like the Student Health Center’s Eating Disorders Treatment Team. 

“It is my privilege to work individually with students to incorporate strategies to nourish their bodies in a flexible versus rigid way,” said Emily Caire, a registered dietitian at the Student Health Center who put on the event.

Body dissatisfaction can influence decisions about eating habits. About 30 million Americans will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime, with the median age of onset for eating disorders occurring from 18-21 years old, making this a relevant issue for college students.

Students were asked to complete a survey about their experience after the event. Eighty percent of participants indicated increased awareness of eating disorders and body image concerns, roughly 75% indicated an increased acceptance of their body and about 85% had increased awareness of campus resources for eating disorders and body image concerns.

“I got a chance to express my insecurities and uplift myself at this event and it brightened my day,” said Addison Gonzalez, a freshman journalism student.