MSU will join more than 500 community organizations, schools and colleges for the 16th Annual National Eating Disorder Awareness Week starting this Sunday.
Olin Health Center and MSU's student group, Respecting and Understanding Body Image, are sponsoring the events to promote body acceptance.
"I would hope that people gain an awareness of eating disorders and knowledge of how to prevent them," the group's co-president Erin Ruth said. "I want them to find peace with their own body image."
The first event runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday at Rio Bravo Fresh Mex, 1938 W. Grand River Ave. in Okemos. Diners who mention the body image group will have 20 percent of their bill donated to the organization to pay for future awareness events.
At 8 p.m. Monday in B108 Wells Hall, the film "Real Women Have Curves" will be presented. The film, which appeared in the Sundance Film Festival, tells the story of a young Mexican woman coming to terms with her body and breaking free of the expectations of her family. The cost is $2 per person with proceeds going to the body image group.
At 7 p.m. on Tuesday in the Wonders Hall Kiva, an open forum called "Take Back Your Body," will be held. Participants will be able to discuss or listen to other's experiences with eating disorders.
"It's a warm atmosphere where anyone can stand up and share experiences," Ruth said. "There is such a stigma with eating disorders and this is the one time that you can express your true feelings."
On Wednesday, about 20,000 candy bars with positive eating messages will be distributed in the residence hall cafeterias, sorority houses and throughout campus.
It's estimated that in the United States, more than 5 million females and 1 million males have eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder, Olin Health Center Nutritionist Ronda Bokram said.
"This is an issue that affects everyone at some time in their lives," she said. "It's something others need to be aware of and this week provides prevention and support for people in this community.
"A lot of times people with an eating disorder feel isolated and it's good to provide them support with these events."
