BODY IMAGE AND EATING DISORDERS WHO DOES IT AFFECT ?
While there is no single cause of eating disorders, research indicates that negative body image is the best-known contributor to the development of
UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUE
EVELYN CHOE
Body image is how one pictures oneself in one’s mind. It encompasses what a person believes to be true about his or her appearance, how one feels about their body, including the height, shape, and weight. Many people these days internalize messages starting at a young age that can lead to either a positive or negative body image. Having a healthy body image is an important factor of eating disorder prevention. Although there is not only one factor that causes
anorexia nervosa and bulimia
eating disorders, body image definitely has a contribution. Research indicates
nervosa.
negative body image is the best-known contributor to eating disorders.
WHY IS IT A GLOBAL ISSUE?
There are two types of most prevalent eating disorders that are known to affect at least 9% of the population worldwide: anorexia and bulimia. Anorexia
Eating disorders affect people of
is an eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight, an
every age, race, size, gender identity, sexual orientation and background. About 10,200 deaths each year are the direct result of an eating disorder - that’s one
intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of weight. On the other hand, people with bulimia may secretly binge -- eating large amounts of food with a loss of control over the eating -- and then purge, trying to get rid of the extra calories in an unhealthy way. Both types can significantly impact one’s physical and mental health and needs to be appropriately treated.
death every 52 minutes. The economic cost of eating disorders is $64.7 billion every year.
SOLUTIONS BEING MADE
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The National Eating Disorder Association provides helplines through chat, call, and text for support, resources, and treatment options for people who are struggling with eating disorders. .
MY OPINION
My Southern Health (2018, Feb 26). Shattering myths about eating disorders [Infographic]. Vanderbilt Health. https://www.mysouthernhealth.com/infographic-what-parents-need-toknow-about-eating-disorders/
Eating disorder is a major health issue around the world, and it is affecting not only the adults, but also many young adults and even children. It is necessary to educate teens that having a healthy body image is an important health factor.