Boston University Offers Special Panel Discussion on Body Ideals and America's Obsession with Body Image

BOSTON, Feb. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boston University's Wellness Program will host a panel of leading eating disorder experts who will address its college students about body image. Co-sponsored by Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center and Eating for Life Alliance, the program, entitled "Lovin' the Body You're In," is designed to encourage positive self-image and to help students avoid the damage that constant self-criticism can create. The event takes place on Wed., February 23 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in the Howard Thurman Center.

"While college is usually an exciting and memorable time for students, it can also trigger eating disorders, addictions, and other unhealthy coping mechanisms," says panelist Kimberly Dennis, M.D., medical director of Timberline Knolls. "This panel is about self-acceptance and helping to avoid those temptations."

Timberline Knolls is a leading recovery center near Chicago for women ages 12 and older struggling to overcome eating disorders, other addictions and co-occurring disorders. Dr. Dennis, a board-certified psychiatrist, maintains a holistic perspective in the practice of psychiatry, incorporating biological, psycho-social and spiritual approaches into individual treatment plans to foster healing.

Other leading treatment professionals on the panel include:

Kate Ackerman, M.D., an internist, sports medicine specialist, and endocrinologist at Children's Hospital Boston and Massachusetts General Hospital.

Whitney Post is the President and Co-Founder of Eating for Life Alliance. The Eating for Life Alliance is an organization that aims to ensure colleges across the country have access to high quality resources for the prevention and treatment of eating disorders and body image disturbances.

Lynn Paikowsky, M.D., the physician for Student Health Services and a specialist in women's health and nutrition.

Stacey Zawacki, M.S., R.D., L.D., is director of the Nutrition & Fitness Center and has developed model health promotion programs for institutions like BU, including Weight Loss Essentials and the Sargent Choice Healthy Dining Program.

Margaret Ross, M.D., is the Director of Behavioral Medicine, Student Health Services.  

About Boston University

BU is aware of the need for services for students experiencing difficulty with eating issues, body image, and nutrition. Full-time students are eligible for a complete nutritional assessment and behavioral medicine services and most primary care services are free for full-time students.  For more information, visit http://www.bu.edu/shs/behavioral/ (Behavioral Medicine, Student Health Services).

About Eating for Life Alliance

The Eating for Life Alliance is an organization that aims to ensure colleges across the country have access to high quality resources for the prevention and treatment of eating disorders and body image disturbances.

About Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center

Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center is a leading residential treatment center for eating disorders, alcoholism, drug addiction and mood disorders, with or without trauma, a dual diagnosis or a co-occurring disorder. Expert treatment staff offers a nurturing environment of recovery for women and girls (ages 12 and older) on a wooded 43-acre campus in suburban Chicago. For more information on Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, visit www.timberlineknolls.com.

SOURCE Boston University