Eating disorders are developed at an early on due to exposure to the media at such a young age. According to the National Institute of National Health 53% of 13 year old girls are "unhappy with their bodies", this grows to 78% by the age of 17. These children grow up seeing the example of a "perfect body", this along with a low self esteem which is common during puberty and adolescence leads to severe cases of eating disorders.
The two major eating disorders are bulimia nervosa which is “A serious eating disorder that occurs chiefly in females, is characterized by compulsive overeating usually followed by self-induced vomiting or laxative or diuretic abuse, and is often accompanied by guilt and depression” (Merriam-Webster). The second major eating disorder being anorexia nervosa “A serious eating disorder primarily of young women in their teens and early twenties that is characterized especially by a pathological fear of weight gain leading to faulty eating patterns, malnutrition, and usually excessive weight loss” (Merriam-Webster). These two eating disorders occur in not only women, but children and men as well.
A very common disorder found in men is muscle dysmorphia. Muscle dysmorphia is defined as “A disorder in which a person becomes obsessed with the idea they are not muscular enough. Those who suffer from muscle dysmorphia tend to hold delusions that they are "skinny" or "too small" but are often above average in musculature.”. This is also a new disorder that has spiked over the last few years. It is largely attributed to corporate America's display of men in the media today. If you were to pick up a copy of any magazine you are bound to see some sort of advertisement with a muscular man which is what people with muscle dysmorphia aim to look like. It is also due to the increase in muscle gaining formula's and workout supplements that are advertised today. To learn more watch this video below.
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