Body Empowerment Project at Penn is a student group at the University of Pennsylvania. BEP runs a 10-week program that addresses eating disorder risk among Penn undergraduate students through an original curriculum led by trained Penn undergraduate volunteers. The program works to help participants develop a more balanced and accepting relationship with their bodies through a weight-neutral and health-centered approach to self-care. This program is not focused on weight, specific eating behaviors, or nutrition to avoid potential triggers. Rather, throughout the ten weeks, participants uncover the messages that have influenced their relationships with their bodies, food, and exercise. Participants acquire tools and strategies to live intuitively, develop self-love, expand their definition of beauty, and build a strong community of support.
Our group meets for one hour each week to explore participants’ experiences with their bodies, food, and exercise. Our trained facilitators incorporate weekly check-ins, individual and group discussions, supplementary videos and handouts, mindfulness meditation, and journaling in group sessions. Participants walk away with a greater acceptance of and a greater relationship with their bodies, as well as a toolkit of skills and practices to handle community and societal pressures.
Body Empowerment Project at Penn also has other ways for students to get involved. We host speakers, monthly GBMs, mini "pop-up" lessons for student groups and athletic teams on campus, and hold body-positive community events.