...October 2014 “Little Girls or Little Women?” Young girls are becoming increasingly involved in this worlds highly sexual environment. More and more are being captured at young ages by marketing and advertising, glamorizing fashion and new fads. Once discovering her three year old daughter, Coaimhe, becoming more concerned about beautifying herself and living like a young female adult, Author of “Little Girls or Little Women? The Disney Princess Effect”, Stephanie Hanes, Publicises how girls at young ages are becoming too involved in today’s highly sexualized environment and by investing in makeup, clothing, accessories and new hair do’s to make them look “sexy”, when in reality it’s far too inappropriate for their age group. Girls are being blinded by society’s standards for how the female body should look. They want that “sexy babe” look just like all the beautiful models they see in media and on advertisements. But many are falling into eating disorders and becoming very sick trying to do so. They become so caught up in becoming skinny that they’ll start to harm their bodies to reach their impossible goal. In an article titled...
Words: 2767 - Pages: 12
...Topic # 1: Causes of Eating Disorders Throughout North America, many continue to suffer from eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Individuals with eating disorders can experience changes in their physical and mental health that may also lead to death. Women are in fact more prone to eating disorders over men. According to the Canadian Institute of Health Information (CIHI), 10.7 out of every 100 000 women suffer from an eating disorder, where as 0.7 per 100 000 males suffer from an eating disorder (Gucciardi et al, 2003). In addition, Statistics Canada notes that 90% or more of all cases pertaining to the diagnosis of an eating disorder are for women (Statistics Canada, n.d.). Furthermore, the Canadian Institution of Health Information states that in the year 2000 , 11.54% of women diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, and 15.36% of women diagnosed with bulimia nervosa, reported suffering from depression. Moreover, these percentages equate to more than double of the 5.7% of women from the general population who have reported suffering from depression (Gucciardi et al, 2003). This paper will explore and address eating disorders through past research papers and as well to propose a possible experiment that may be used to further uncover the underlying causes for eating disorders. In the article “Observations on Human Behaviour in Experimental Semistarvation and Rehabilitation” by Joseph C. Franklin, Burtrum C. Schiele, Josef Brozek, and Ancel...
Words: 1696 - Pages: 7
... Celebrities who fit this definition act as role models for women who want to look like they do, and magazines and television advertisements are constantly telling women how they too can be “beautiful” by selling them weight loss products, exercise programs, and other image enhancers. The constant exposure to the media’s version of beautiful is not something that is often thought of as negative. However, their portrayal of what is beautiful has become distorted over the years, to the point where achieving this “thin-ideal”, which will be defined later, is nearly impossible for women if done through healthy means. Because of this, many women develop body dissatisfaction, which can lead to serious and dangerous consequences, such as the development of eating disorders, in order to be “beautiful”. While there are many factors that can be linked to eating disorders, research has found that the media’s influence on society’s portrayal of extremely thin females as the ideal body is directly correlated to the increase in body dissatisfaction, eating disorders and other harmful conditions found in women. By analyzing this from a feminist perspective, it can be argued that not only does the media’s influence on the idealization of thinness effect females physical and mental health negatively, but it also acts as reinforcement for the patriarchal culture prevalent in today’s society. There is a wide range of eating disorders, ranging from minor to severe. Body dissatisfaction, which is...
Words: 2979 - Pages: 12
...of anorexic individuals die from complications of the disease” (Eating Disorder Hope). Is anorexia nervosa an illness caused by negative social conditions or is it a mental illness/mental disorder? After reading “The Slender Trap” written by Trina Piscatelli, I don’t agree with Piscatelli when she states in her reading that negative social conditions are the cause of anorexia nervosa in young women. Anorexia nervosa is a mental illness/mental disorder. According to Mayo Clinic the definition of mental illness is “…disorders that affect your mood, thinking and behavior. Examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating...
Words: 1944 - Pages: 8
...Society’s Influence on Eating Disorders Society today applies undo pressure on women to conform to a universal definition of beauty. This unnecessary pressure causes women to develop serious insecurities and feelings of inadequacy, which eventually lead to eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia. Without society and the media creating a false image of beauty, the percentage of women suffering from eating disorders would decrease tremendously, and women would stop trying to reach a body weight that is unhealthy and also nearly impossible to achieve. Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia can be stopped, but only if society does something to help prevent it. Anorexia Nervosa is a disorder that causes distorted perceptions of the body and a fear of gaining weight. This disorder causes self-starvation and also extreme weight loss. Those who suffer from anorexia are generally seen as being “painfully thin,” which is quite accurate because many dealing with this disorder have a bit of physical discomfort due to their low body weight (Keel 3). People with anorexia tend to develop daily rituals. Some people will count calories while others will weigh themselves after every meal (Keel 20). Because of the obsession with thinness, the rates of those suffering with this disorders has risen greatly (Keel 59). At least one out of every twenty people with anorexia dies, and when compared to other disorders, it seems to be the most deadly (Keel 16). Though not as harmful as...
Words: 1943 - Pages: 8
...The Gender Differences in Eating Disorders: An Analysis Abstract This paper will provide a critical analysis of the issue of eating disorders in the two genders. It has provided a history of the eating disorders, and how they came to be known. Furthermore, the paper has focused on the issue of eating disorders through an analysis of a number of studies. The studies have focused on providing vital information regarding what influences the different genders to have eating disorders. The females are most likely to suffer from anorexia nervosa, while the males suffer from bulimia. A brief summary of all the key points has also been provided. Thereafter, some important recommendations regarding research in some key areas involving eating disorders has been provided as well. Keywords: Anorexia, Bulimia, Females, Males, Study, Eating Disorders, Gender, Media Introduction Eating disorders have now become part of the current culture people live in. In fact, the eating disorders tend to affect different people regardless of their genders and socioeconomic classes. There is even an overall prevalence that is estimated to be about five percent among the population. Many people have a desire to become thin since it is an issue that is always being highlighted by the media. Some of the popular sources of media that influence individuals to become thin include movies, television shows, and magazines, among others. It is such a pity that the prevailing culture, and specifically the...
Words: 3465 - Pages: 14
...MEDIA INFLUENCES ON EATING DISORDER ABSTRACT: The media as well as the eating disorders are commonly at odds because much frequently than never, we view various photographs of anorexic masses that are somehow galmourised as well as depicted the ideal beauty. The question now arises that whether does the media have an influence over eating disorders? What is it the most about the media is that it makes female fatally overwhelmed to the unrealistic and serious pressure towards slenderness? The affect of the media on the development of the eating disorders like Anorexia, Bulimia or Compulsive Overeating can’t be disproved.Since from the very early age the people are pelted with the images along with the messages that reinforce the idea to be pleased and successful that the individual must be lean. Now, as seen in daily day to day life that it is notified as a message that fat is bad, whether it is a television, a magazine, or a newspaper, or listening to the radio, or whether shopping in the mall. The most fearsome part is that the destructive message it conveys is somehow reaching towards children. Adolescents sometimes really feel like fatally blemished if their hips, weight etc. doesn’t match up I comparison to those of famous models and actors. Today even the children of the elementary school aged are also obsessed in respect to their weight. Even if the contention is also made that the media’s depiction of women is just only a mirror of the society and not as an...
Words: 2147 - Pages: 9
...The Globalization of Eating Disorders Before the 20th century, scientist thought that the malnutrition problems would only happened in the developing nations from the starvations. However, the malnutrition problems surprisingly appeareces in the new millennium in both developing and developed countries due to eating disorders and body image disturbances. Many researchers assume that the eating disorders in the modern society include psychological troubles such as self-critical thoughts and emotions, which lead individuals to a pessimistic mood. From the mentioned points above, I believe that western culture leads women’s eating disorders through media and personal relationships with westerners. I found specific researchers and their studies to support and explain my possition: a essay, entitled “The Globalization of Eating Disorders” written by Susan Bordo from Gilbert H. Muller’s book The New Worlds Reader, an research article published in the magazine International Journal Of Eating Disorders entitled “Boday Image and Eating Disturbance Among South Asian-American Women: The Role of Racial Teasing”, by Dana Sahi Iyer and Nick Haslam, and the seventh chapter, entitled “Sociocultural Influences: The Impact of Western Culture on Eating and Body Image Disturbances”, of the book Too Fat or Too Thin: A Reference Guide to Eating Diorders by Cynthia R Kalodner. During reading three resources, I come up with question how western culture impacts eating disorders due to the standards...
Words: 1277 - Pages: 6
...(Hidayat). The previous statement was written about young asian women in Japan and Korea. Nina Hidayat wrote an article about the expectations and body image issues for young women in Asia. When people think about body image, they only think of the US. Not many people think about how those in other countries have the same issues we do. Studies show that the more reality television a young girl watches, the more likely she is to find appearance important (Web 1). The media plays a large role in how women perceive body image and themselves (ie, magazines, internet, television, etc). The results said peers predict the negative outcomes...
Words: 2469 - Pages: 10
...A Silent Epidemic: Eating Disorders among College Women For Jennifer Keagan, high school was a thrill. She was one of the most popular girls in school. She was valedictorian, homecoming queen, student body president, an honor roll student, and the list goes on. She always strived for perfection. Life was easy for Jennifer. She always got what she wanted. Unfortunately, this all came to a halt when it was time for her to face an all new reality: college. Jennifer was no longer around her friends and family. She was on her own now, and realized that college wasn’t as easy as high school like she thought it would be. It was all too overwhelming for her. She became lonely and couldn’t adjust to the college lifestyle. Eventually food became her new-found friend. She would consume large amounts of food and then feel guilty about eating so much, and throw it up. This scenario became a habit for her. It consoled her. Sadly, this is a problem several college females struggle with every day. This problem is known as an eating disorder. Eating disorders arise when young college women face new challenges or changes that they just can’t handle. Eating disorders have been increasing among college women. Every student enters college with different feelings and emotions. Some are excited and some are worried and afraid. The College Student Journal maintains that most college women “must adjust to being away from home for the first time, maintain a high level of academic achievement, and adjust...
Words: 1435 - Pages: 6
...image. Of that 75% of those women have or had eating disorders in their past. To help prevent a lot of these things people working in the fields associated with them are studying to try and fix the statistics. As the media portrays what is considered attractive in society, the more problems people have with their own body image, causing them to resort to Eating disorders, Plastic surgery, and or suicide. The purpose of my research was to explore how women of color think and feel about their bodies. Specifically, how Black women define beauty by means of variety of different variables such as body shape, skin complexion, and...
Words: 850 - Pages: 4
...Determining risk factors, consequences, and protective measures of Body Dissatisfaction and Eating Disorders Determining risk factors, consequences, and protective measures of Body Dissatisfaction and Eating Disorders Body image is an individual’s perception of his or her own body in terms of sexual attractiveness. Human society has emphasized on beauty of the human body for a long time. However, an individual’s perception of their own body may differ from society’s standards, thus, causing body dissatisfaction. As a response to body dissatisfaction, every year, millions of people in the world succumb to potentially life threatening eating disorders. Eating disorders are a group of conditions characterized by abnormal eating habits that may involve excessive or insufficient food consumption, thus, affecting an individual’s physical and psychological health. Some common types of eating disorders include bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, binge eating, and obesity. This paper has explored six published articles that conducted research on various factors contributing to body dissatisfaction and eating disorders. The articles have examined the influence of society and media, gender and ethnic differences, development of depression, and some protective measures for body dissatisfaction and the development of eating disorders. ...
Words: 1851 - Pages: 8
...Drivin to be Thin Throughout the years, eating disorders have been on the rise. In a society that prizes thinness, anorexics and bulimics are often just one who looks good in clothes, hiding themselves from their real problem. Before 1995, bigger was better, and if you were trying to lose weight, people worried. “Back then big was beautiful and bigger was more beautiful...Everyone worried about losing weight but not the way they are now” (Goodman 79). Young girls and women strive to look like the models they see in magazines, and unrealistic body images promote dangerous eating disorders; therefore, photographers and magazine editors should not be able to photoshop pictures of women. To start out, anorexia nervosa is one of the two most common eating disorders. Anorexia is a disorder that makes one scared to gain weight, therefore, they starve themselves and go to an extreme with dieting and exercising. In fact, they are almost always hungry and thinking about food, even as the disorder impels them to deny their bodies the fuel needed to function properly. (Walsh, Cameron 62,63) It starts out as a diet, but because they have a fear of gaining weight the diet can spiral out of control. They may be bone thin but they can continue to eliminate more and more food, over time or they will eat very little or nothing at all. (Fanning n. pag.) In addition, bulimia is the second most common. Bulimia is a disorder in which one will eat an excessive amount of food, and then to get...
Words: 1367 - Pages: 6
...teenage girls in the United States struggle to accept themselves while craving the approval of others. As young women strive to reach perfection, the view on women today may influence their dedication for a perfect body. While society shames bigger women for their weight, degrading thoughts begin to take-over the minds of developing teens. Studies show that negative psychological thoughts of oneself often result in eating disorders among teenage girls in the United States; these degrading thoughts can come from clothing companies, the media, and society’s view on women. First, clothing companies can have a big impact on the view that...
Words: 1159 - Pages: 5
...Eating Disorders BEH/225 Stephanie Copp July 9, 2014 Julie Bruno Most people think that hunger is all in one’s stomach; however, research shows that this is not the case. Hunger is controlled by a complicated system of chemicals that transmit signals between one’s brain and the body. “The cells in the hypothalamus communicate with cells in other parts of the brain to coordinate the release and uptake of chemicals that help regulate how much and what you eat” (Kirby, Jane RD., 2014). Motivation seems to be the role of the primary drive for hunger, and motives is a category that has been identified as biological or primary; hunger and the managing of food intake. The hypothalamus is a small; however important, part of the brain. It controls motivation and emotion, such as hunger, thirst, sexual behavior, sleep, and body temperature. In the 1940s the Drive Reduction Theory of Motivation was widely used in explaining motivation, which states that the force behind motivation was the reduction of drives; hunger being an example of a drive. However this theory is not used much in today’s world. External and internal motivations both play a part in one’s eating habits, and they can affect one positively or negatively; internal motivations being one’s emotions and external motivations being our environment and culture. Negative effects such as over eating, not eating enough, or just poor eating habits can lead to eating disorders. Even though there is no one single...
Words: 805 - Pages: 4
