For every person who fights against his or her genetically influenced size to wear the "skinny jeans" in the back of the closet, the National Eating Disorders Awareness Association has a message — fighting your natural size and shape can lead to unhealthy dieting, poor body image and even eating disorders.

“Be Comfortable in Your Genes, Wear Jeans that Fit the REAL You,” the theme for NEDA’s Awareness Week Feb. 26-March 4, highlights the fact that body size and shape are strongly influenced by biological factors. At Tennessee Tech, NEDAW coordinator Lisa Macke says the week will be devoted to providing information, support and encouragement.

“This year's theme calls attention to some of the new discoveries surrounding the role of genetics in eating disorders,” says Macke, assistant director of clinical services in the Counseling Center. “Eating disorders are serious illnesses. We invite anyone whose life is touched by eating disorders to seek out information and help."

The week features free programs open to the campus community.

Banish All Ridiculous Body Image Expectations — 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday, Feb. 27, through Friday, March 3. Ever wonder what a life-sized Barbie would look like? Visit the first floor of the Roaden University Center to find out. You can also pick up free information on eating disorders at this display during these times. This program is being presented by the Panhellenic Council.

FREE Eating Disorder Screenings — 9 a.m.-11 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 28, and 1-3 p.m., Thursday, March 2, in the Counseling Center. Are you concerned that you may have an eating disorder? Come in for a fast and free screening to learn more.

Eating Disorders: The Hunger Within — 11 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 28, in the Women’s Center. This short film features ABC News correspondent Lynn Sherr visiting the Montreux Counseling Center in Victoria, British Columbia, where Peggy Claude-Pierre offers a highly successful alternative treatment plan for anorexia and bulimia. This program demonstrates how Claude-Pierre has succeeded where traditional medical care has failed in bringing young people back to life and health from an illness that has a high relapse rate and no cure in sight.

Eating Disorders: Voices of Recovery — 11 a.m., Thursday, March 2. Have you ever wondered what it is like to recover from an eating disorder? This program features the personal story of someone who has recovered from an eating disorder as well as a short video of various speakers who have recovered from eating disorders telling their stories. Macke and Leah Shanks, CHAMPS/Life Skills coordinator in Athletics, will facilitate the program.

Passive programs include the Fitness Center’s and the Women’s Center’s displays about eating disorders and body image concerns. These displays will be located on the second floor of the Fitness Center next to the Health Promotions Office; on the first floor of the Roaden University Center; and in the Women’s Center. The University Bookstore will present a book display about eating disorders and body image concerns. And Residential Life will provide theme bulletin boards in each residence hall, an information table on the ground floor of the Fitness Center, and a jeans display in the RUC.

According to NEDA, eating disorders are a silent epidemic with devastating and life-threatening consequences, with anorexia claiming the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. K-12 schools, colleges and communities across the United States, including Tennessee Tech, have teamed up with NEDA to fight today’s cultural pressures, which can be so strong that people are literally dying to be thin.

“Eating disorders affect people from all walks of life, and even though the peak onset of eating disorders occurs during puberty and the late teen/early adult years, its victims may be young children or middle-aged men and women,” says Macke.

NEDAW events are co-sponsored by the Counseling Center, Dean of Students Office, Student Affairs, Women’s Center, Fitness Center, Residential Life, Health Services, and Greek Life. During NEDAW, information about eating disorders can be picked up in any of the offices listed above as well as in the bookstore.

If you suspect that you or someone you love has an eating disorder, you can talk with a member of the Counseling Center staff by calling 3331 or the Health Services staff at 3320. In addition, feel free to call the National Eating Disorders Association at 800-931-2237. NEDA provides information about eating disorders as well as referrals to treatment providers.

For information about eating disorders and NEDAW events on our campus, call Macke at 3331 or visit www.tntech.edu.