Media’s Influence on Eating Disorders

We all know that we’re constantly bombarded with advertisements featuring trim women and muscle-bound men every day – but new research has placed a figure on just how many advertisements the media exposes us to:

400-600 each day.

Yes, you read that right. With 400-600 advertisements exposing us to the media’s idea of the perfect man and woman, it’s no wonder that more young teens – and even middle-aged adults – are developing severe eating disorders in their quests for the “perfect body”.
The About-Face Organization, a non-profit dedicated to fight the unhealthy affect that the media can have on the body image of young children and teens, figures that one in eleven of these advertisements (which can come from television, radio, billboards, magazine ads, etc.) is directly addressing beauty and plastic surgery; an exact figure still remains to be named in regards to the indirect messages these advertisements project. Psychologists have further expounded that these images will directly influence a person with low body confidence, as these stick-thin models only emphasize the negative feelings that a man or woman may have about his or her body.

So with all of this negative exposure, how can one protect themselves from developing a body issue – or worse, an eating disorder?

While eating disorders can develop due to genetic predisposition, it’s important to realize that your environment plays a significant role in the development of anorexia, bulimia or another body dysmorphic disorder. Therefore, it’s important to encourage positive images in and around the house, especially if you have young children who are susceptible to particularly negative images. Here are a few tips on how to encourage a healthy environment that promotes body confidence:

Limit Exposure To Television. With children and teens devoting up to six hours per day watching television and reading magazines, it’s no wonder that they’re more likely to develop an eating disorder, as they’re constantly exposed to images of stick-thin models. To counteract this exposure, limit the amount of time that your loved one spends watching television. Encourage playtime outdoors and keep a rigid schedule on how much television your child can watch; above all, remember to stay consistent with this schedule.

Encourage Physical Activity. Body confidence doesn’t just stem from how you look – it comes from how you feel as well. Physical activity is the surest way to promote healthy feelings that are so vital to high self-esteem. Encourage your children to play outside or join after-school sports, and be sure that you log in some time yourself. Buy a gym membership or simply go for walks after you’re done with work for the day. You’ll look good and feel good too!

Avoid Comparisons. When it comes to body confidence, you can be your own worst enemy. Instead of constantly comparing yourself to images portrayed in the media, come to terms with your own body. Appreciate that you are unique and lovable, and that having a stick-thin body doesn’t necessarily mean that your life will be any easier. Repeat these mantras in the bathroom mirror when you wake up in the morning, and your head will soon catch up with your mouth.

If you think you’re at risk for developing an eating disorder, contact a professional as soon as possible to help you with your body issues. Remember to ask for help from family members and friends, as their support will help you to recover from this debilitating disease.