The University Counseling and Testing Center kicks off All Sizes Fit this week, a campaign focused on positive body image and health at all sizes.

“It is an important (issue) to discuss, especially on a college campus,” said Elizabeth Asta, counseling center psychologist. Asta holds an interest in the area of body image concern and disordered eating.

“It is a common struggle that I hear on college campuses,” Asta said.

All Sizes Fit is an awareness campaign that will hold events promoting healthy body image throughout the week. The main event for the campaign is a presentation by a Health at All Sizes advocate and researcher, Ragen Chastain, entitled “The Positive Body: Real Options for Health Happiness and High Self-esteem.” The presentation will take place on Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the EMU Gumwood Room.

Prior to the presentation, Chastain will also lead a Dance for Every Body Class at 4 p.m. at the Student Recreation Center, room 41.

On Feb. 13 three members of the UO Rehearsals for Life, Jennifer Chain, Eric Garcia and Nina Hidalgo will hold an interactive workshop about biases stemming from size and weight in Gerlinger room 246.

In addition, throughout the week tabling to raise awareness will take place in ResLife.

According to Asta, the purpose of the event is to raise awareness and “create more conversation and dialogue” on the topic of body image, a problem that “naturally comes up in our society in general.”

Suzie Stadelman, Mental Health Educator and Administrative Services Assistant for the counseling center emphasized the importance of raising awareness about this issue. “There is a lot of pressure on men and women to look a certain way,” said Stadelman. “It’s a larger issue than just the UO. It is universal.”

Asta emphasized the availability of the counseling center to students struggling with body image issues.

“For anyone exploring (these issues) the UCTC wants to be available,” she said.

The center offers both individual and group counseling.