{"id":524,"date":"2026-03-05T19:32:07","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T00:32:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/?page_id=524"},"modified":"2026-07-15T15:32:24","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T19:32:24","slug":"body-image","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/general-health-wellness\/body-image\/","title":{"rendered":"Body Image"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Body Image<\/h1><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Body image concerns often intensify during the college years due to heightened self-awareness, identity development, and comparison with peers. Students may experience dissatisfaction with weight, shape, or appearance more broadly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disordered eating behaviors exist on a continuum and are far more prevalent than formally diagnosed eating disorders. This could look like chronic dieting, food restriction, binge eating, purging behaviors (e.g., vomiting or laxative use), misuse of exercise, and rigid food rules. These behaviors often function as coping mechanisms for managing stress, anxiety, trauma histories, perfectionism, or a desire for control during a period of significant life transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If thinking about food or your body takes up more time than you feel it should; if your relationship with food feels complicated, stressful, or overwhelming; if looking in the mirror brings negative thoughts or critical messages; you\u2019re not alone – and you don\u2019t have to figure it out by yourself. We have created a network of resources to help you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Embracing VolBodies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Embracing VolBodies<\/strong>, offered through the Center for Health Education and Wellness with Rocky Top Recovery<\/a>, supports body image and emotional well-being.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Relationship with Food and Body Image Support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In caring for all Vols, health and wellness departments within the Division of Student Life<\/a> offer a collaborative care approach where you can talk openly about your relationship with food and body image – without judgment, pressure, or expectations. Just real conversations, practical support, and compassion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n