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Women's Services and Resources

The Body Project

two women talking in a hallway

Mission

Empower BYU women with the tools to combat society’s unrealistic appearance ideal and embrace all the wonderful aspects of themselves and others and focus on reaching their full potential while at BYU and throughout their lives.

Vision

BYU women will resist cultural pressures to adhere to the appearance ideal in their daily lives and increase their confidence and body satisfaction.

Come participate in The Body Project — a group of students working together to decrease adherence to the appearance ideal and increase body acceptance!

THE BODY PROJECT is a fun and interactive program designed to empower women to challenge unrealistic cultural messages about the ideal appearance and develop healthy body acceptance. Participants will have the opportunity to critique the appearance ideal through verbal, written, and behavioral exercises.

Through these exercises, women learn the costs of pursuing appearance ideals, ways to combat them, and the basics of body activism. Participants will leave this training with skills to promote body acceptance of diverse body shapes and sizes, counter negative appearance talk in their daily lives, and embrace all of the wonderful non-appearance-related aspects of themselves and others.

Participation requires a commitment to attend two, two-hour sessions led by peer leaders in a comfortable environment. Sign up for The Body Project Here:

Sign Up for the Body Project

Meet Our Peer Leaders!

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Averi Hanny

"The Body Project really helped me realize that I am not alone when it comes to thoughts about my body. It was amazing to connect with others and to discuss struggles and trials that each of us face. After the two sessions, I left feeling happier and much more grateful for the body that I have and the life that I live. I hope everyone gets the chance to attend The Body Project and can learn to appreciate that true beauty goes way beyond the surface."
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Halle Crowther

"The Body Project helped me shift my focus away from constantly judging my appearance. I have learned to appreciate my body for everything it does for me, and I feel much more confident because of it."
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Marissa Skelton

"The Body Project was such a positive experience for me! I loved how safe and welcoming the environment felt and how openly we could discuss vulnerable topics without feeling judged.

The program helped me recognize some of the internal biases we have about appearance and how harmful they can be. I especially enjoyed the activities and discussions because they challenged the pressure to meet unrealistic beauty standards.

My biggest takeaway was learning that my body is an instrument, not an ornament. The Body Project helped me become more accepting of my body and appreciate it for what it can do rather than just how it looks!"
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Emily Ord

"Before attending the Body Project, I didn’t realize how much negative body image had affected the way I experienced my life. I loved learning about the many costs of chasing society’s “ideal” appearance because it became so clear that this pursuit simply isn’t worth the financial, physical, spiritual, or emotional toll. It was especially meaningful to talk openly about these challenges with other women in such a supportive and uplifting environment.

I left the Body Project feeling more peaceful, confident and committed to not letting body image concerns limit the way I live my life. I’m so grateful for the reminder that life is much more joyful and fulfilling when we can spend our energy on the people, experiences, and things that matter most!"
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