Miss Florida 2006 Allison Kreiger Walsh’s suffering became apparent when she was a junior in high school.
She said she was malnourished and had popped blood vessels in her eyes, torn knuckles on her hand and chunks of hair falling out.
The UF graduate suffered from bulimia for three years.
According to the 2010 Healthy Gators Student Survey Report, 17.3 percent of UF students today worry about losing control over how much they eat.
Embrace Your Body Week, hosted by GatorWell Health Promotion Services today through Sunday, is promoting positive body image among UF students, faculty and staff, to further awareness and prevention of eating disorders.
“We live in a culture that values the objectification of women and men,” said Roberta Seldman, coordinator of the Student Mental Health Services eating disorders program. “A campaign like this will balance the devastating effect of the culture.”
The week has three main events. A film screening on Tuesday, a panel discussion Wednesday and a wellness fair Thursday.
Walsh said UF provided her the chance to live life the way she wanted.
Her advice for those struggling with eating disorders and body image is to get help as soon as possible.
“It’s scary, but life on the other side is so worth living,” Walsh said. “You can truly recover. It’s my 11th year in recovery, and it’s awesome. You go from being completely consumed to being able to love again and love yourself. It is so worth getting help for.”
