Eating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa

Society, as a whole, sets the standards of perfection for most things in life. In reality, it is impossible to live up to these expectations. As a teenager the pressure from peers and society is very strong to have the perfect body because everyone wants to “fit in.” The desire to have the perfect body often leads to eating disorders. Unfortunately, teenagers do not see a connection between the perfect body image and eating disorders. They feel pressure from the fashion industry to look like all the models instead of their own distorted body image. The truth behind eating disorders is that they are caused by peers and society because of the extreme expectations and desire to have the perfect body as well as influence from the media.
Eating …show more content…
Often the thought is, ‘I want to look like her’ or ‘I want to be skinny like she is.’ The desire to be like others actually causes low self esteem and triggers unhealthy options that often lead to eating disorders. One well known eating disorder is Anorexia Nervosa which is defined as “the fear of gaining weight and an excessive concern with body weight or shape.” It has been shown to be an eating disorder that develops during puberty (Understanding Anorexia: The Basics, WebMD). Someone who is heavy does not have this nice and fit body. Anorexia Nervosa is often associated with body dysmorphia, which is a condition where the images the individual sees are different from reality (Burke, Eating Disorders, ABC-CLIO). Usually, the image the individual sees is a lot heavier than the body actually is and this often leads to the belief of not fitting in. The fear is so strong it can become obsessive to the point that the individual does not realize they have lost all control of their behavior. The resulting weight loss becomes excessive yet the person continues to have a distorted overweight self image. Many people believe that eating food is the problem when actually this thought alone is the trigger to these …show more content…
All models and famous people who are shown on TV, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. are air brushed and altered photos. It is very rare that anyone to see a plus size model. The sad thing about this is these models and famous people most of the time do struggle with eating disorders. Even after these individuals become very slim, their photos are still altered to make them appear thinner. With everyone seeing these models so people end up comparing their own bodies to them. The idea of beauty has become a very controversial topic. Very few people think beauty is defined as what is on the inside. Now, nearly everyone seems to think it is solely based on appearance. Unfortunately, this leads to every thought focusing on how to become skinny and beautiful like the models. Another effect social media has is the continued strong discrimination against heavier people. There is a story about a girl who was bullied because of her appearance and body. The story even states, “She changed her hair color and stopped eating”. The girl also says how “she intentionally kept her Facebook friends to a minimum because she knew they were the ones who wouldn't pick on her” (Roxby, BBC.com). Social media is the true key to harassment, bullying, and discrimination. How else would everyone come up with this inaccurate view of what beauty

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