Eating Disorders Research Paper

Eating disorders are becoming increasingly prevalent in today’s society. This type of mental illness is most common in young women who are struggling with their self-esteem. There can be severe health effects to an eating disorder going untreated. Pressures from the outside world are likely to trigger an eating disorder. Empowering those who feel powerless is the most important thing to do when many eating disorders are caused from psychological factors. When America makes eating disorders a serious issue, we would see this disease reduce dramatically within a generation.
Eating disorders caused by biological factors are rare, most stem from problems concerning the mind. Low self-esteem is a main cause of eating disorders. People do not feel

as if they are valuable, then they resort to bulimia, binge eating, or anorexia. Unresolved childhood conflict, such as bullying and abuse, lead to eating disorders as well. Those who suffer from eating disorders sometimes feel inadequate after comparing themselves to someone deemed “sexy” by others. When our society glorifies bodies that are skinny and have the “perfect” figure, victims are driven to try and lose weight by whatever means necessary. Americans need to start being more conscience of what causes eating disorders. Since many cases begin with something another person has done, if everyone would take accountability for their actions and treat those as they would want to be treated, these diseases would start to decline in today’s society.
Hollywood contributes to the problem of eating disorders tremendously.

Today’s society sexualizes every thing; even commercials for a hamburger are affected. When a young girl, who already has self-esteem problems and is no the ideal weight for her body structure, turns on the television and is sucked into this idea that the only women who are beautiful are the ones with beach-ready bodies, she will start to feel even worse about herself and will feel the urge to purge the extra calories consumed that day. Another repulsive thing Hollywood does is degrading individuals that are average sized and flawless. The jokes may be funny and harmless in nature, but overweight youth will view these as an attack on their physical appearance. Even with actresses such as Jennifer Lawrence, who stand against these injustices, negativity continues to be

spread.
People with eating disorders often hide their problem from family members and friends. There are many signs that hint to a person battling an eating disorder. For people struggling with anorexia or bulimia, they start to diet constantly. Victims tend to obsess with nutrition and what they are putting in their body. They cut out food that will cause them to gain weight. Someone with an eating disorder also becomes inclined to isolate themselves from others. Dramatic weight change is the most common effect of these diseases. Food or empty containers hidden away are signs of an eating disorder. It is imperative Americans know what eating disorders look like. Ignorance of the issue will be detrimental to those battling these potentially life-threatening diseases. Remaining blind would cause loved ones to continue battling their disorder alone, leading to an unnecessary loss of human life.
Individuals rarely make a full recovery from an eating disorder. Some people wind up having serious negative health effects. Those battling anorexia deprive the body of essential nutrients needed for daily operations. This weakens all organs leading to multiple health problems. Heart disease is common for those suffering from anorexia. They are also at risk for kidney failure from dehydration. Binge eating leads to obesity, accompanied by the risk factors of the disease: high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. The excess of stomach acid being exposed to teeth during vomiting causes tooth decay in bulimic people. Mental effects include depression, possibly making the issue worse. Even after an eating disorder is overcome, depression still lingers on to haunt the mind. Eating disorders alter people’s mental state as well. This leads to the most tragic health effect: suicide. The person feels as if they are not worthy enough, and they resort to taking their own precious life away. Not everyone is equipped with the strength to power through tough times. Those who contribute to the eating disorder by bullying have the victim’s blood on their hands just as it is on those who knew it was going on and made no effort to help. An eating disorder should never cost someone his or her life.
How can America control this epidemic?

The first step is educating the public. Everybody needs to know what they are, what causes them, the signs of them, and what the health effects are. Ignorance to an issue only causes more problems. Knowledge is power and the more people who are educated, the easier it is to combat the problem. People should not take this epidemic lightly. Eating disorders need to be taken as a serious issue for what they are, a mental disorder; not a person who just feels bad about the way they look and wants attention. Once everyone is aware, it will not come hard for people to sympathize with someone who is at war with an eating disorder. When people are sympathetic towards victims, they will think twice before they make a harsh comment that never helps a situation. We also need to reassure all young people, not just ones with eating disorders, that they are all beautiful. Not a single person should have to feel worthless because someone belittles them because of his or her appearance. This causes so many more problems than just eating disorders. Hollywood would also start to feel the pressure if Americans would call them out on what they do. Maybe all the leading roles will not go to the thin, young actor or actress, but someone that looks like the average American. In a world with so many estranged role models, more wholesome figures in Hollywood would have a large impact on the self-esteem of the nation’s youth. Eating disorders are not something

that will just go away, it will require people to spread the world and be aware.
In future generations, it would be wonderful to see eating disorders a rare condition. America needs to rise to the occasion and not let eating disorders defeat young people who are struggling to figure out where they belong. Pay attention to the signs, do not be afraid to confront someone if it is evident they have an eating disorder. If they know someone will join in the fight with them, it will be so much easier for them to win the battle. The most important thing, be polite to everyone. When bullying causes so many eating disorders, it is essential one treats others how he or she wants to be treated. Eating disorders can be greatly reduced if America comes together and takes it seriously.