Added: 09/18/2007 |
Teens Suffering From An Eating Disorder: A Prevalent Problem In Modern SocietyHaving an eating disorder has become more common in our society as media focuses more strongly than ever on an ideal of thinness that is unnatural for most body types. Media cannot take all of the blame, however, as an eating disorder can be triggered by stress, social or athletic-based pressures, poor judgment and comments made by others, or by a teenager who is feeling out of control and is attempting to control at least one are of their life. An eating disorder is a serious problem that affects both body and mind and those who are suspected of having a problem should be given immediate assistance. It might save their life.
It has been recognized that culture and media's roles play heavily on how a general body image is developed and accepted. What a society accepts can fluctuate from generation to generation just like fashion or personal values. In decades past, a heavier female figure was acceptable in modern culture. Starting in the 1960s, this integrity of a healthy bodily image began to diminish as clothing models became increasingly thinner and more publicized. A steady increase in media attention to body image coupled with a decreasing weight expectation has fuel an unhealthy body image for females for the past fifty years. In the early 1900s an eating disorder was not unheard of but far more uncommon. Some cultures today promote and accept a body image that is curvy and a direct result that can be measured from this differing attitude is a lower incidence of eating disorders among their people. An eating disorder is not just a media related issue and the media is not solely to blame. There are many factors that can contribute to an eating disorder, and media messages are really just a small part. Also, be aware that an eating disorder is not just a female based problem. Men in increasing numbers have been diagnosed with image disorder problems.
Media images contribute to eating disorders as they portray an unhealthy and unrealistic ideal. Many models are of an unusual body type or will push themselves to unhealthy extremes to get and keep the desired figure the industry expects of them . But the messages one receives daily from those around them can play a role in helping trigger an eating disorder. Negative comments from family, friends, a coach, or another respected person can push a teenager to seek out an unrealistic body. They might even begin as an overweight teen, lose a few pounds, and become obsessed with the idea of weight loss or strive to keep getting the same high levels of attention they got from losing weight. Athletic pressures to keep a certain body shape or obtain one can lead to disordered eating. Sadly, some teens do it out of simple confusion about their bodies or because they are attempting to control one area of their life while another may be severly out of balance. Teens whose parents are divorcing, are perfectionists, or are feeling socially inept may begin these destructive behaviors.
It should be recognized that an eating disorder is not simply an issue that can be made to disappear. It can be managed but will always be an issue for the afflicted. An eating disorder may manifest itself physically but is also affecting the mental state of a person so treatment should encompass both body and mind. Most common types of eating disorders are anorexia and bulimia. Both of these can cause life threatening complications if allowed to progress too far. Anorexia involves the person starving themselves to become thin while a person suffering from bulimia will vomit repeatedly or take laxatives to eliminate food from the body. Both are efforts to control weight at the detriment of the body and can cause death. It is important if you suspect someone of having an eating disorder that you educate yourself on the signs and symptoms, and then try to get them the help they need. It can save their life.
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