Body Image

At RecSports, we are committed to fostering an environment where all students feel supported and embraced, including those affected by disordered eating and body image concerns. Our approach emphasizes holistic wellness and movement, focusing on enjoyment, stress relief, and respect for the body rather than appearance or performance.

Through a variety of accessible recreation programs—including group fitness classes, yoga and mindfulness-based sessions, outdoor activities, and adaptive recreation—we aim to create opportunities for students to engage in physical activity that prioritizes mental well-being and personal growth.

RecSports also plays an active role in campus-wide wellness initiatives designed to promote balanced living and mental health.

One such program is Empowering Vol-Bodies, which celebrates all body types, challenges harmful fitness and diet culture norms, and encourages self-compassion. This collaborative effort reflects our dedication to creating a campus culture that values health, recovery, and respect for all individuals.

Guided by our vision to engage and develop all Vols for a better future, our team works closely with campus partners to provide supportive spaces, connect students with appropriate resources, and advocate for a community that prioritizes health and well-being for everyone.

The Center for Care and Resilience (CCR) is dedicated to providing private, accessible support for students navigating challenges or seeking guidance. Whether facing distress or dealing with concerns like disordered eating or body image challenges, the CCR offers individualized care tailored to each student’s unique needs.

Understanding the complexity of these challenges, the CCR provides strengths-based case management that helps students to set personal goals and to connect with campus and community resources. The CCR ensures students receive comprehensive care that aligns with their needs.

Through personalized care coordination and referrals to qualified health professionals, the CCR empowers students to take meaningful steps toward healing and well-being in a safe, compassionate environment. Whether seeking help for themselves or supporting a peer, students can rely on the CCR as a trusted resource committed to fostering resilience and recovery.

The Center for Health Education and Wellness (CHEW) is committed to supporting students in their journey toward recovery and overall well-being.

CHEW offers a wide range of wellness programs including psychoeducational and support focused meetings aimed at fostering balanced living and healthy habits. Regular offerings include a nutrition workshop that has been developed in collaboration with the Knox County Health Department. This workshop provides practical guidance on nutrition and healthy eating practices, empowering students to make informed choices that support both physical and mental health.

CHEW’s resources include peer recovery support and broader wellness initiatives that address not only disordered eating but a multitude of topics that may impact all Vols. By promoting holistic health, CHEW helps students build resilience and maintain balance amidst the demands of college life. Meeting dates and times are regularly updated.

The Student Health Center (SHC) provides individualized evaluations, treatment recommendations and referrals for comprehensive, interdisciplinary care for students experiencing disordered eating.

Services include medical evaluations, ongoing medical monitoring, and treatment of eating disorder–related health concerns, with an emphasis on early identification, medical stability, and continuity of care. Medical providers assess and monitor vital signs, laboratory values, and provide treatment for medical complications associated with restrictive eating, binge eating, purging behaviors, and relative energy deficiency.

The SHC firmly believes in individualized care based on clinical presentation and risk level. Our providers collaborate closely with campus and community partners to support student health and safety. We offer information about community providers. When available, students may be referred to eating disorder–certified registered dietitians and licensed therapists for nutrition counseling and psychotherapy as part of a multidisciplinary treatment approach.

The Student Counseling Center (SCC) is dedicated to supporting students’ mental health and emotional well-being throughout their academic journey. The SCC provides a confidential and welcoming environment where students can address a wide range of concerns—including disordered eating, anxiety, depression, stress, relationship challenges, and more.

Students seeking help for disordered eating or body image concerns can access individualized counseling services tailored to their unique needs. The SCC’s team of licensed mental health professionals offers assessment, short-term therapy, crisis intervention, and referrals to specialized care when appropriate. Counselors work collaboratively with students to develop personalized strategies for coping, healing, and building resilience.

In addition to individual counseling, the SCC offers group therapy options that foster peer support and shared understanding – an especially valuable resource for those navigating issues related to body image or eating behaviors. Educational workshops and outreach programs further equip students with practical tools for managing stress, enhancing self-care, and maintaining balance in college life.

Recognizing that recovery often requires a network of support, the SCC collaborates closely with other campus resources such as RecSports, the Center for Care and Resilience, and the Center for Health Education and Wellness. This coordinated approach ensures students have access to comprehensive care – connecting them with medical providers, nutritionists, or community specialists as needed.