Our society's preoccupation with thinness has had a huge impact on millions of people. Men, women, young girls, people of all ages see the images of skinny models and performers on television, online, and in magazines. It's becoming rarer and rarer to have a healthy body image as we hold ourselves up to impossible and sometimes unhealthy ideals.
For some, this preoccupation with weight and body image can appear to contribute to the development of eating disorders, of which anorexia and bulimia are the two most common forms. Nearly 90% of those with eating disorders are women. Cultural factors are among the causes of eating disorders, which are currently believed to be many and varied.
A person may develop an eating disorder because of genetic and functional changes in the brain, hormonal factors, as a consequence of society's emphasis on thinness, or a combination of all of those factors. An eating disorder is a serious but treatable condition which usually requires medical intervention to control. These disorders are complex and in many cases, can become chronic - the individual may never be totally free of the internal mental anguish that causes their behavior.
Because anorexia and bulimia can both escalate to become very serious and even life-threatening, it is important to be able to recognize the symptoms of eating disorders. Look out for secretive eating habits, obsession with weight, food, and exercise, and depression. There are physical symptoms of eating disorders that might become visible, such as tooth decay or dramatic weight loss.
One trait of eating disorders is denial of the problem. This can make helping someone with anorexia or bulimia very challenging. If you think you or someone you care about may be showing signs of an eating disorder, find out how you can help. You can access community resources and look into choices for therapy. If symptoms seem life-threatening, the first step should be to a doctor.