...Anorexia: The Role of Media Hillary Indako University Of Nairobi Eating disorders have a higher mortality rate than any other mental illness. As many as 20 percent of those who suffer from anorexia will die prematurely from complications related to their eating disorder, including suicide and heart problems. While there are many possible causes and triggers for these disorders, the media’s influence on body image cannot be overlooked. The media has been playing a central role on the growth of eating disorders such as anorexia. As adolescents we are convinced with images and messages that tend to further the idea that to be happy and successful we must be slim. Nowadays, It is nearly impossible to open a newspaper or listen to the radio, or turn on a TV without being confronted with the ideas that to be fat is to be undesirable. When adolescents feel as though their breasts, weight or hips don’t match up to those of supermodels and actors, they feel fatally feel secure. This in turn makes to feel insecure about their body image and thus resulting in this eating disorder. Surveys show that there is plenty of evidence demonstrating that the media encourages slimness and weight loss and over-emphasize the importance of beauty and appearances. It appears that beauty and fashion magazines significantly impact the process of identity development in young women, especially with regards to gender-role learning, identity formation, and the development of values and beliefs (Arnett...
Words: 936 - Pages: 4
...Nicole Gallucio English 102 Prof. Rhodes October 25th, 2010 Are Eating Disorders Caused By the Media? Have you ever looked in a magazine or watched a fashion show on television? If you have then you have been subjected to the media portraying models as the hottest thing on the planet. What you don’t know is that a good portion of these models are suffering from eating disorders. I believe the media is to blame for our nation’s epidemic of eating disorders because, not only do magazines and television portray skinny to be in, but also songs in our culture convey the attitude “…that only the beautiful and thin are valued and loved” (Hesse-Biber 88). Some women and men in the world are happy about how they look. Some think that they are ugly and reach toward plastic surgery, but even more think that the only way they can be happy is by starving themselves, or throwing up everything they have eaten that day. In this paper I will discuss facts and information on how the media is to blame for our nation’s epidemic, the pro’s and con’s to eating disorders and the media, and a few possibilities on how to fix this epidemic before it starts to spiral out of control. When you think about the billions and billions of people in this world, it is hard to believe that “2 million Americans-most of them women and girls-do suffer from eating disorders” (Gorman 110). That number is shocking isn’t it? How about the fact that “approximately 1 in 150 teenage girls in the U.S. falls prey...
Words: 1865 - Pages: 8
...THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON EATING DISORDERS 2 Abstract This paper delves into great detail about the impact of social media on eating disorders. Outlining eating disorders as a whole and how social media such as, fashion, advertisements, movies, and celebrities, can negatively affect many on a large scale as it aids in the development of this disorder. This paper further explains what eating disorders are, what causes them, how people diagnosed with this disorder live with it, and the latest treatments and preventions. This report also goes into great detail about a new method of trying to figure out how eating disorders affects the brain and which part of the brain it triggers with...
Words: 869 - Pages: 4
...Exercise 2: The role of the media in the development of eating disorders Individuals over time have continually been exposed and manipulated to believe in the concept of having a ‘perfect’ or ideal body and appearance. The pressures to meet societies demands to achieving self-satisfaction with one’s body image and physical and emotional wellbeing have influenced the notion of eating disorders. As people are exposed to countless forms of media such as television, radio, magazines and the Internet on a daily basis, media being a mass form of communication has been labelled as the culprit of eating disorders. The role of media heavily contributes to the development of abnormal or disturbed eating habits within an individual, including anorexia, bulimia and even obesity. The role of media in the development of eating disorders can explored via analysing the social context, influence and aetiology of eating disorders. Through further evaluation of this matter the role of the media in the development of eating disorders can be thoroughly explored. Individuals are exposed to the media on a daily basis and many blame the mass media for being the source of eating disorders, however not all people develop eating disorders from the mass media, therefore it is to question what role the media actually plays in the heavily viewed topic of eating disorders (Spettigue & Henderson, 2004). To understand the role of media in the development of eating disorders, the social context, of this...
Words: 1342 - Pages: 6
...Introduction How much influence do the media have on people’s self-image and behavior? That question is debated every time a “copy cat” criminal strikes and claims he saw the act committed in a movie. It has also arisen in connection with eating disorders and low self-esteem and how they relate to the appearance of the human body as portrayed in the media. This paper argues that there is now sufficient evidence to support a link, though not necessarily a direct causal link, between the media portrayal of the “ideal” body and people’s (especially women) reaction to their own bodies. Specifically, it argues that the unrealistically thin women and well-muscled men shown on television and in film show a body image that most people cannot attain, no matter how much they diet and exercise. Despite this, society insists that these distorted images are the “ideal,” leading some people to develop eating disorders or other psychological problems such as low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction when they fail to attain these impossible standards. Discussion As noted, the argument over whether there is a direct link between media images and body dissatisfaction is still a matter of debate; what is no longer debated is that “negative exposure effects” do in fact occur (Dittmar, 2009, p. 1). That is, it no longer in doubt that some individuals are affected negatively by what they see in the media. What studies are attempting to do now is to determine what “diverse factors” make these people...
Words: 1999 - Pages: 8
...The Gender Differences in Eating Disorders: An Analysis Abstract This paper will provide a critical analysis of the issue of eating disorders in the two genders. It has provided a history of the eating disorders, and how they came to be known. Furthermore, the paper has focused on the issue of eating disorders through an analysis of a number of studies. The studies have focused on providing vital information regarding what influences the different genders to have eating disorders. The females are most likely to suffer from anorexia nervosa, while the males suffer from bulimia. A brief summary of all the key points has also been provided. Thereafter, some important recommendations regarding research in some key areas involving eating disorders has been provided as well. Keywords: Anorexia, Bulimia, Females, Males, Study, Eating Disorders, Gender, Media Introduction Eating disorders have now become part of the current culture people live in. In fact, the eating disorders tend to affect different people regardless of their genders and socioeconomic classes. There is even an overall prevalence that is estimated to be about five percent among the population. Many people have a desire to become thin since it is an issue that is always being highlighted by the media. Some of the popular sources of media that influence individuals to become thin include movies, television shows, and magazines, among others. It is such a pity that the prevailing culture, and specifically the...
Words: 3465 - Pages: 14
...Eating Disorders Many young men and women in the United States have a skewed perception of themselves. Some people take healthy approaches to achieve their health goals while others take a more unhealthy, and sometimes, dangerous path. Eating disorders have many health issues, along with noticeable symptoms, and proposed theories. There are a number of different forms of eating disorders. Anorexia Nervosa, commonly referred to as anorexia, is an eating disorder characterized by reduced appetite or total aversion of food. The first type of anorexia, called restricting type, is found in those who severely limit their caloric intake and exercise to excess to cause weight loss. The second type of the disorder is called binge eating and/or purging. These anorexics eat in binges and then purge the body of the ingested food either by self induced vomiting, the ingestion of large quantities of laxatives or the overuse of diuretics and enemas to rid the body of food. Bulimia nervosa is characterized by recurrent and frequent episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food (e.g., binge-eating), and feeling a lack of control over the eating. Binge Eating is characterized by insatiable cravings that can occur any time of the day or night, usually secretive, and filled with shame. There are also eating disorders not otherwise specified. It is the category for people who do not meet the strict criteria for either Anorexia or Bulimia Nervosa, but who have significant...
Words: 2426 - Pages: 10
...much information, and opening the door to various unhealthy perceptions of beauty and additions associated with those perceptions. Unrealistic media images that are presented on the internet, in movies, magazines and models make it difficult for the average American woman to follow. Analysis of females, fictional or real, show a bias towards body weight well below the recommended size and weight for people in their age group. As a result, females who are unable to conform to the idea being put forth in the media are taking extreme measure to be more like their role models. Those that fall short of the idea of the “perfect” body shape can be vulnerable to depression, poor self-esteem, and general body dissatisfaction. With the increase in technology, we have more exposure to unrealistic standard for beauty. One example of this downside to technology is that of pro-eating disorder websites which are simply known as pro-ana/pro-mia websites. “Ana” is short for anorexia nervosa. It is a common eating disorder where individuals obsess about weight, what they eat and how much exercise they participate in. “Mia” is the shortened form of bulimia nervosa, which is a very common eating disorder where the person binge eats. They will eat large amounts of food and then find ways to purge the calories, in some unhealthy manner. Both disorders are often diagnosed together, with an individual being preoccupied with their weight and appearance. The “pro” in the pro-ana/mia sites does not...
Words: 1896 - Pages: 8
...Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia nervosa are the most fatal mental disorders. In a society where models, clothes, and an outward appearance are deemed exceptionally important, this is an issue that has a haunting connection to the gilded milieu of fashion. From the ghost of stick thin models to the spider web of media influence, a connection can be drawn to eating disorders. With the Council of Fashion Designers of America meeting to re-release their health guidelines, people can witness how the fashion industry is starting to accept their responsibility of influence. The industry may start to go even further in its efforts to safely promote and sell their products (Pearson). It is a nice-and necessary-change the Council is making. For a long time, it seems, the fashion industry has ignored the abundant amount of health concerns that is prevalent in their models and customers. Health guidelines must evolve from here. In the sense of exposure to the fashion media, there isn't much concrete data about how it influences mental problems such as eating disorders. We cannot say a casual link has been established, but it is reasonable to say that there is a connection (Pearson). It is very reasonable to say that models...
Words: 1687 - Pages: 7
...Kenetta Cannon General Psychology Mr. T. Rykala 10/23/13 Embracing Natural Beauty Eating disorders has been a part of society for a great deal of time. Eating is a part of society because we eat when we are hungry, we eat when we see others eat, and we eat and share food to show we care. There are many contributors that lead to eating disorders. The media is one but, whether there are televisions, radios, or magazines some people will still find ways to consider themselves being not beautiful enough. People cannot handle the pressure of certain circumstances in life especially those from childhood, so they find other addictive ways to deal with the pressure. Even in adulthood factors such as abusive marriages and careers can cause eating disorders. People who suffer from eating disorders are no different from people who suffer from drug, alcohol or sex addictions. Not all people who are anorexic or bulimic have had traumatic experiences in their youth, but at some point in life situations became too stressful, whether it is a career, an event such as divorce or bullying from love ones or associates. People find unhappiness within themselves when they are repeatedly told they have physical flaws. Everyday both boys and girls suffering from eating disorders are slowly killing themselves because they are constantly told you are ugly, you are weird, or fat, too thin too tall; the list could on. This type of slow suicide is the last resort of escaping...
Words: 968 - Pages: 4
...Kenetta Cannon General Psychology Mr. T. Rykala 10/23/13 Embracing Natural Beauty Eating disorders has been a part of society for a great deal of time. Eating is a part of society because we eat when we are hungry, we eat when we see others eat, and we eat and share food to show we care. There are many contributors that lead to eating disorders. The media is one but, whether there are televisions, radios, or magazines some people will still find ways to consider themselves being not beautiful enough. People cannot handle the pressure of certain circumstances in life especially those from childhood, so they find other addictive ways to deal with the pressure. Even in adulthood factors such as abusive marriages and careers can cause eating disorders. People who suffer from eating disorders are no different from people who suffer from drug, alcohol or sex addictions. Not all people who are anorexic or bulimic have had traumatic experiences in their youth, but at some point in life situations became too stressful, whether it is a career, an event such as divorce or bullying from love ones or associates. People find unhappiness within themselves when they are repeatedly told they have physical flaws. Everyday both boys and girls suffering from eating disorders are slowly killing themselves because they are constantly told you are ugly, you are weird, or fat, too thin too tall; the list could on. This type of slow suicide is the last resort of escaping...
Words: 968 - Pages: 4
...Abstract The main purpose of this extended project dissertation is as following: to explore the causes of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, in particular the biological, psychological and societal causes. Eating disorders are becoming increasingly common in today’s society and the causes of theses disorders are not completely known. This essay explores the symptoms of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, the risks and consequences of suffering from such disorders. The essay also concentrates upon how eating disorders are gradually affecting more and more men and children – something that was not often seen before. The main focus of this project is to discover whether the causes of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa stem from pre-dispositions which are linked with the body and mind or rather stemmed from society. The main biological reasons which the essay focuses on are; damaged hypothalamuses and genetic hereditariness. The main environmental causes of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa that I have studied are media influences and undesirable conditions for raising children. In writing this project I believe that I have developed valuable skills that I will need in my subjects which include; being able to extract key information from large pieces of text, researching, speedy note taking and the ability to weigh up two sides of an argument fairly and without bias. I am also aware that the skills I am developing while writing this dissertation...
Words: 4913 - Pages: 20
...MEDIA INFLUENCES ON EATING DISORDER ABSTRACT: The media as well as the eating disorders are commonly at odds because much frequently than never, we view various photographs of anorexic masses that are somehow galmourised as well as depicted the ideal beauty. The question now arises that whether does the media have an influence over eating disorders? What is it the most about the media is that it makes female fatally overwhelmed to the unrealistic and serious pressure towards slenderness? The affect of the media on the development of the eating disorders like Anorexia, Bulimia or Compulsive Overeating can’t be disproved.Since from the very early age the people are pelted with the images along with the messages that reinforce the idea to be pleased and successful that the individual must be lean. Now, as seen in daily day to day life that it is notified as a message that fat is bad, whether it is a television, a magazine, or a newspaper, or listening to the radio, or whether shopping in the mall. The most fearsome part is that the destructive message it conveys is somehow reaching towards children. Adolescents sometimes really feel like fatally blemished if their hips, weight etc. doesn’t match up I comparison to those of famous models and actors. Today even the children of the elementary school aged are also obsessed in respect to their weight. Even if the contention is also made that the media’s depiction of women is just only a mirror of the society and not as an...
Words: 2147 - Pages: 9
...Contributing Factors to Various Eating Disorders Introduction The proposed topic discussed throughout this research will be eating disorders, specifically on the contributions to various eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, athletica nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating. Through much research, it is shown there are larger causes to these eating disorders. It is no longer a psychological factor (brain chemical misbalance). There are greater forces that influence eating disorders such as the mass media, family, stress (sense of identity), community (peers/school), and negative body image (which links to mass media). It is important to know these contributions to eating disorders because, the more one knows about the various factors for an eating disorder, the easier it will become to treat these disorders (help one suffering with an eating disorder cope and become healthier.) Throughout the 21st century, eating disorders have become more common among North American teens. With a higher percentage rate of eating disorders in the 21st century, (Sneddon, 1999, p.35) it shows it is an area that should have greater focus. Not only does it have a negative impact on the individual who is battling it, it has a negative impact on society; an impact that could destroy our society – mentally if we (as a community/society) do not help or treat this in the way it should be. An eating disorder can tear apart someone’s morals, eat at their brain – which means with it becoming more...
Words: 3860 - Pages: 16
...LESSON FIVE & SIX – ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EATING DISORDERS ------------------------------------------------- Specification link: You will be able to outline and evaluate: ------------------------------------------------- Biological, including neural and evolutionary, explanations of anorexia nervosa ------------------------------------------------- Psychology explanations of anorexia nervosa Outline and description of theories | Research evidence and commentary | IntroductionThe DSM-IV Rev identifies three categories of eating disorder: * Anorexia nervosa 1. AN -restricting type – refusal to eat 2. AN- binge eating/purging type – episodes of binge eating followed by removal of food from the body by vomiting, laxatives, or enemas.Both of these are associated with significant weight loss and the other symptoms of AN. * Bulimia nervosa – episodes of binging followed by removal of food from the body by vomiting, laxatives, or enemas (no significant weight loss). * Eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS)The four major symptoms of anorexia nervosa are: * The body weight is 85% or less of normal weight for age and height * Distorted perception of body weight/shape, and/or denial that the weight loss is severe * Intense fear of becoming fat * Loss of three consecutive menstrual cycles in women (amenorrhoea)Anorexia nervosa (AN) and Bulimia nervosa (BN) have much in common, particularly a dissatisfaction with body weight and/or shape....
Words: 3915 - Pages: 16
