Eating Disorder Essay FINAL

Influences of the media causes Anorexia and Bulimia in teens which are dangerous ways of dieting that can lead to death. Eating Disorders can come in a variety of types, for example compulsive exercise which is also a growing problem as each disorder is a little different that each other,they all portray extremely dangerous health risks. Although the two main ways out of many are Anorexia and Bulimia which are again, both deadly illnesses that spread from your thoughts and emotions, different from bacteria, flu viruses, or sexually transmitted diseases. Eating Disorders are more than just problems involving food. Due to the negative feeling or perspectives about food, it can affect your relationships toward friends, family, and everyone else around you. Having an unhealthy relationship with consuming food can not only harm your body but also you emotions. 

In addition to the media, part of the societal problems are a result of lack of education. Girls and boys need to be aware of the changes their bodies go through during puberty and why, and as well, why they should feel proud of their bodies no matter what size or shape. A high percentage of the American culture falls into one of two categories. Couch potato or exercise freak. A good example of public influences involving eating disorders in young children are from a popular doll called "Barbie". Majority of young girls own one, but that of course does not necessarily mean that they all will experience the influence to want to be just as skinny as her or as perfect  like her.

Super models in all the popular magazines have continued to get thinner and thinner. Modeling agencies have been reported to actively pursue Anorexic models. The average woman model weighs up to 25% less than the typical woman and maintains a weight at about 15 to 20 percent below what is considered healthy for her age and height. Some models go through plastic surgery, some are "taped-up" to mold their bodies into more photogenic representations of themselves, others even photoshopped to perfect images, and some photos are airbrushed before going to print. Not many come across to realize that majority of the images are fake.

Bulimia Nervosa is one type of eating disorder the word "bulimia" originated from the greek words buos ("ox") and limos ("hunger"), which together meant, "hunger of an ox." Bulimia nervosa forces sufferers into a dangerous cycle of bingeing and purging. Today, bulimia is a major social concern. Bulimia forces sufferers into a dangerous cycle of bingeing and purging after consuming food, while anorexia forces sufferers to basically not eat anything to try and achieve a certain body image that majority of the time is influenced by the public or media through television or magazines.

At a grocery store as you wait in line to pay after shopping, the first thing you see are racks of magazines all with images of celebrities with an ideal body that most people want to achieve. It can second guess yourself to eat that bag of chips you are waiting in line to buy or any other foods. Most people desire to be as "perfect" to those who advertise and model for clothing brands or any other brands from bags to jewelry that you see through newspapers, magazines, or billboards.

On the other hand, from most studies of interviews with victims of eating disorders, they didn't realize how unhealthy starving themselves or binging and purging was. Their main intentions were to try and get skinny and in shape, or to try and get slim in a short period of time, not realizing that being in shape doesn't necessarily mean looking thin. This reason seams relatable to people who wonder why victims were lead to an eating disorder. This inspired more organizations to help treat victims to recover by donating and helping find healthier options of dealing with their unsatisfied relationships with their bodies. 

It is important to understand the point of view between victims that lead them to ending up with eating disorders. Most cases that lead to eating disorders were emotionally through depression, lack of self esteem and self acceptance, or basically just the fact that taking shortcuts to getting skinny was faster and easier than to live a healthier lifestyle by changing their diet or exercising frequently.

Two examples of celebrities who used to suffer from eating disorders are Mary Kate Olsen, who experienced anorexia, and Paula Abdul who battled bulimia. Public concerns about Mary Kate Olsen's anorexia surfaced during a public appearance in 2004 where she and her sister received their star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. These days Mary Kate Olsen's anorexia seems to be under control. Apparently she has been doing quite well recovering from anorexia. Also with Paula Abdul's situation with bulimia, in an interview during the early 1990's she confessed to always viewing herself as too short and overweight, and described her eating disorder as self-punishment. The Paula Abdul bulimia battle lasted for a long time. After opening up about her bulimia she received help through psychiatric therapy.

Eating disorders a quit common than most people suspect. The National Eating Disorder Association, about 5 to 10 million girls and women , and 1 million boys in the United States are battling from an eating disorder such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa. Currently more than 8 million Americans are suffering from eating disorders. 90-95% of them are female, although the number of males suffering from eating disorders are increasing. About 1 out of 10 with an eating disorder are male. According to recent studies, about 40% of the newly diagnosed cases of anorexia are girls and young women who are between the ages of fifteen and nineteen.
Adolescence is a time of confusion when teens are often trying to discover who they are as they journey closer to adulthood. They face increased independence, life choices and new friendships and they begin to date and seek acceptance from the opposite sex and their peers... All of this while their bodies are changing and their hormones are raging! This combined with any additional problems in their family, friends or new relationships can easily put teens at a higher risk for an Eating Disorder. Overall, it is an extremely dangerous way of losing weight. It shouldn't be tried even once and should also be treated by those who suffer from eating disorders today. Despite it's little benefits, you can die. Eating disorders can't only affect you physically but also mentally.