Yoga teaches acceptance and appreciation of the body and negates judgement, which is vital in resolving eating disorders, said Inner Door Center CEO and founder Beverly Price, who lead the yoga session.
Price said research has shown that yoga can change the brain chemistry and resolve the co-occurring disorders involved in eating disorders.
She said eating disorders indicate an underlying issue, such as depression and anxiety, which can be negated by the self-love and self-acceptance known through yoga.
“When you’re able to be with yourself on your mat and in a community of like-minded others, you’re able to go deeper with yourself and transform from the inside out,” Price said.
Neuroscience and human biology senior and Spartan Body Pride President Abby Fariscal said the group chose yoga because the mentality differs from most exercises and focuses on a positive relationship with the body.
“Exercise should be about connecting with your body and enjoying what it will allow you to do,” Fariscal said.
A report compiled last year indicated nearly 33 percent of undergraduate females screened positive for an eating disorder, while only 5 percent had been diagnosed, said Ronda Bokram, Student Health Services staff nutritionist and Spartan Body Pride advisor.
The same report indicated less than 7 percent of undergraduate males screened positive for an eating disorder, while only 2 percent had been diagnosed.
“Eating disorders are a very significant issue,” Bokram said. “They can destroy lives. Anorexia has the highest morbidity rate of any other psychiatric disorder.”
“It’s a problem that hasn’t gone away and (has) probably gotten worse,” Bokram said.
Bokram said groups within the Student Health Center partners with the MSU Counseling Center to offer medical, nutritional and psychiatric care to students who suffer from eating disorders.
“It’s a problem that hasn’t gone away and (has) probably gotten worse,” Bokram said.
To further combat the issue, Spartan Body Pride works to challenge the cultural norms around food and the body, Bokram said. Some problems the group faces is students subscribing to misinformation surrounding eating disorders.
“Some think that they choose it, which they don’t ... or that they can stop, which they can’t,” she said.
