By Brett Greenberg
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – University of Alabama student, Mackenzie Baldwin, partnered with the National Eating Disorder Association to organize and participate in a walk to spread awareness about eating disorders in young adults and on campus.
Eating disorders can be described as anything abnormal in eating habits. The most known disorders are anorexia and bulimia. Mackenzie Baldwin, leader of this walk, opened up about her struggles with, “anorexia nervosa and body dysmorphia since elementary school,” Baldwin said. Baldwin, now a sophomore, has dealt with countless doctor’s appointments before having, “spinal fusion surgery as a junior,” in high school.
Baldwin has worked with NEDA to inform and educate University of Alabama students about the ever-growing list of eating disorders and their effects on people both mentally and physically. “[Mackenzie’s] heart was slowing down at an alarming rate from [her] restrictive eating,” Baldwin said. “Eating disorders are becoming more of a problem and more diagnosis’s have come to the surface,” Baldwin said.
On campus, Baldwin has had the opportunity to meet with McCall Dempsey, the founder of Southern Smash. Southern Smash is an organization predicated on the idea that no one person should feel shamed or uncomfortable because they do not fit the ideal image. “[Dempsey] is very raw when it comes to talking about recovery and I love that about that,” Baldwin said.
The NEDA walk took place on Mar. 3, 2019. Mackenzie, volunteers and participants gathered at the Ferguson Center on campus to help set up and spread awareness. “We are more than happy to help out a friend and help spread awareness at the same time,” Lev Rothschild a freshman said. People from all generations gathered to support Baldwin and others suffering from disorders and had the opportunity to learn more about NEDA as well as feel a sense of pride. “This walk introduced me to a new world that I was not aware of and I am glad that I had the opportunity to learn more,” Zach Ellis a freshman said.
To learn more about NEDA, visit this link: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
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