Negative body image isn’t something that can be classified as a women’s issue. In fact, the issue is a growing problem among men, said an OU psychologist.

“Guys think body image is a girl problem and don’t really talk about it, but usually they have the same problems and don’t think anything of it at the time,” said Christopher Bader, who acts as a psychology resource for athletes.

Bader said the ratio of women to men with eating disorders has grown from 10:1 to 4:1 in the last 20 years. He said the issue isn’t gender specific.

“The difference between guys and girls dealing with eating disorders is that guys tend to start from what they think is overweight and work their way down to an ‘average’ weight, whereas girls probably start from an ‘average’ weight and try to get thinner in the spectrum.”

Although problems with body image are not convinced to females, the Women’s Outreach Center dedicated Wednesday as “Love Your Body Day,” and concentrated on minimizing body image issues and redefining beauty for women.

“The ‘Love Your Body Day’ is a chance to educate and celebrate women for who they are and counteract the negative images shown in the media,” said Kathy Moxley, the center’s director.

As part of “Love Your Body Day,” the center set up a table in the Oklahoma Memorial Union with the media’s portrayal of body images, along with a board covered with students’ vows and hosted a panel discussion over the aspects of body image. A panel, comprised of Bader, professors, a psychologist and assistant director of the Huston Huffman, met in the afternoon to discuss body image.

Students were encouraged to write a Body Peace Treaty on a small, heart-shaped piece of paper to put on the board displayed in the Union. The Body Peace Treaty is a vow the individual makes concerning their own body; for example, “I vow to … quiet the negative voice inside when it says mean things about my body.”

Yaisa Mann, women’s studies faculty member and panelist, said the media portrays women as needing to have the perfect body, while men can get away with being average.

“The beauty of life is being yourself and not working to be what you see on TV,” said Savannah Campbell, human relations senior and an intern at the center.

Natalie Tindall, public relations assistant professor and panelist, said she has worked in health communications and has seen how women view themselves through the media.

“It is very troubling to see how it affects women, and I had the opportunity to approach them and make it relevant on campus,” Tindall said.

University College freshman Dana Mohammad-zadeh said she attended the panel to learn about body image from people with a professional outlook on the issue.

“I noticed that a lot of girls and guys here strive for a certain body image. I didn’t know if it was just because I’m from out-of-state or if it is a new environment,” Mohammad-zadeh said.