In today's world, eating disorders seem to be more of a trend than an actual disease or illness that is dangerous. A recent study shows that 8 million Americans have an eating disorder of some sort. One in 200 women suffer from an eating disorder, while 10 to 15 percent of those American's are men. It's an alarming number, and it's not taken as serious as it should be.
So why are so many people developing eating disorders? Well, the answer to that question is an endless string of answers, to be honest. There are different reasons why one might develop an eating disorder. Most believe it's the media, which is true. The media is mostly to blame. Young women and men, a like, are often brainwashed of images of what their body should be, compared to what an average person's body actually is. It's a sad story of true American history. However, not all of the blame should be put on the media, because in reality, most young adults, even as children, did not develop healthy eating patterns as they grew. As they grow older, picking the wrong nutrition supplements and foods has lead America to an awful disorder unlike any kind.
Why are people so obsessed with body image? Physically, it's the first impression of what others see of one another. It's human nature to want to be desired or liked, but when the obsession becomes unhealthy, or deadly, in many cases, it seems that people in today's society doesn't really care if it's unhealthy, as long as they look acceptable. It's a sad but true statement. Many celebrities have proved this. A famous singer/actress went on a very unhealthy and strict diet, The Master Cleanse, which suddenly became popular after she stated she dropped over 15 pounds in a matter of days. This dietary habit is known as a fast, not a diet or healthy lifestyle. In return, this diet became so popular, many women sought this diet out and have strictly followed it. Many cases of this popular trend became unhealthy when cases showed that many people were malnourished after trying this diet. This is just an example of many trends that young women digest into their conscious and live out, thinking that it's acceptable.
What can people do to stop the effect of media in relation to eating disorders? First of all, schools should have better programs and workshops for young women and men, to instill healthy body images upon all students of schools. It should also be localized and enforced in every school district to teach young children how to eat healthily and to teach young adults the nutritional values in foods. Parents also need to become more aware of what young adults are eating and instill proper nutrition at a younger age. Adults need to rethink values and even further their education in nutrition as well. People need to stop looking in magazines and look at the people right in front of them. Healthy people are right next to others, and they don't pay attention. Be healthy, be happy, and live life to the fullest without insane expectations of what some say is ideal. Ideal is being happy and healthy.
Photo Credit: drkathleenyoung.wordpress.com
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