University Health Services To Participate In National Fat Talk Free Week

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 17, 2011) — University Health Services and the UK Student Dietetic Association will participate in National Fat Talk Free Week by hosting "Change the Conversation: End Fat Talk,"  -- an event aimed at promoting a positive body image by eliminating negative body talk.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, UHS will have an information table set up outside Starbucks in the Student Center. Student are encouraged to stop by for information and giveaways,  and to write positive body image thoughts on a banner.

"We need to change the conversation to a positive one that encourages maintaining a positive body image " said Jill Kindy, University  Health Service's registered dietitian. "We want people to know that the conversation about body image is one that has a tremendous impact on both women and men. We need to focus on being healthy and happy; to stop fighting our bodies and accept ourselves as we are. 

"Fat Talk" describes statements made in every day conversation that reinforce the idea that thin in the standard of female beauty, contributing to women's dissatisfaction with their bodies. Examples of "Fat Talk" are "I'm so fat," "Do I look fat in this?" "I need to lose 10 pounds," and "She's too fat to be wearing that swimsuit."

A 2004-05 study done by Harvard University found that only 2 percent of women - 64 out of the 3,200 surveyed - considered themselves beautiful.

"Humans come in all shapes and sizes," Kindy added. "If we all looked the same, the world would be a very boring place. Every body is beautiful. We hope this event will help turn the conversation into a positive one that encourages this idea."

Fat Talk Free Week is an international campaign lead by Tri Delta Sorority aimed at engaging members, campus and communities in positive conversations about body image.

For more information on Fat Talk Free Week or to sign the End Fat Talk pledge, visit www.EndFatTalk.org.