Eating Disorders Education

S.E.E.D.S. (Students Educating about Eating Disorders)

Program Description

S.E.E.D.S. Brochure (PDF)

Eating disorders in the form of anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder present both psychological and physical health risks to an estimated 20% of college-aged women. Too many women believe that in order to be successful they have to be in control of every aspect of their lives, including perfect looks and actions. They mistakenly believe that it is important above all to have a thin body, no matter what it takes to achieve that goal. People with eating disorders often, but not always, believe themselves to be overweight even when they are not. They have the tendency to weigh themselves constantly, use artificial means of controlling their appetites, and resort to unhealthy behaviors in an attempt to lose weight. Men are also at risk for problems in the area of eating and body image. One of the biggest challenges for men is the taboo of talking about eating disorders and body image issues. An increase of men with eating disorders and body image concerns has been seen. Men may be reluctant to discuss their concerns due to socialization and lack of permission to express their feelings.

The Eating Disorders peer education program is designed to inform and educate students about eating disorders and the potentially life-threatening consequences that can result. Body image concerns are also addressed. Our presenters are students who share their own experiences and feelings in their journey to recovery. They help audiences understand many of the underlying issues that are often associated with the development of an eating disorder. They discuss the social and cultural expectations connected with their eating as well as body image disorders. The behavioral consequences of their disorders are highlighted.

In addition to increasing awareness and providing information about eating disorders, the aim of these presentations is to help audience members identify their own feelings about eating, weight and body image, and learn of resources for help on campus.

Presentations are typically 1 - 1.5 hours, and can be tailored to your needs in terms of length and content covered.

Overview of an Eating Disorders Workshop

The main goals of the Eating Disorders workshop are to: 1) educate audience members about the biological, social, and psychological aspects of eating disorders, 2) introduce a continuum of body image attitudes and eating behaviors so that audience members can identify the extent to which their behaviors and attitudes are unhealthy or healthy, and 3) provide a forum for peers to share their personal struggles and recovery with eating disorders. 4) Provide resources for treatment of eating disorders, both on and off campus.

The workshop begins with a brief didactic presentation in which definitions of eating disorders and a continuum of body image attitudes and eating behaviors are presented. Peers then discuss their own experiences with eating disorders and answer audience members questions. Depending upon the structure of the group, peers may divide the audience into small groups for more personal discussions and exploration of the issues involved with eating disorders.

How to Request an Eating Disorders Workshop

If you are interested in scheduling an Eating Disorder workshop, call Julie Parsons at (301) 314-8142 or e-mail parsons@health.umd.edu. At the time of your call, please have the following information ready: date, time, and location of the workshop and the approximate audience number. To ensure that we will be able to meet your needs, schedule your workshop at least two weeks in advance.

How to Become an Eating Disorder Peer Educator

Each spring we recruit students to become peer educators for the following academic year. If you think your or someone you know would enjoy being a peer educator, please give us a call! This is a one academic year commitment. You can contact the Eating Disorder Peer Education coordinator at (301) 314-8106.

Peer Education Program Descriptions (description for all peer education program including Eating Disorders)

Peer Education Application (application for all peer education program including Eating Disorders)