When you look in the mirror what do you see?
Body image in today’s society is a major issue whether you’re a girl or boy. According to anad.org, around 91% of women and 43% of men are dissatisfied with their bodies.
Everything we see is sexualized. It is not just underwear ads and runway reality shows. It is in the form of a McDonald’s commercial to the music you hear on the radio.
Beautiful men are perceived with a stone-like chest, sharp jawline, muscular, low body fat, and white. Beautiful women are seen with a flat stomach, thigh gap, high cheekbones, busty, and white. If you don’t believe me type in “beautiful men” or “beautiful women” into Google image search and see just how many of the men and women do not have the characteristics as listed above.
Body image is a major issue among teens and young adults. Around 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from an eating disorder.
The Eating Disorder Coalition says that “nearly half of all Americans know someone personally with an eating disorder” and “the risk of developing an eating disorder of 50% to 80% is determined by genetics.”
Eating disorders can, yes, kill. Eating disorders have the highest death rate of any mental illness at 20%. Having thoughts of suicide, severe anxiety, and depression are common before and during treatment.
With the help of loved ones and yourself it can be treated. If you know of anyone, or if you are that someone, who has an eating disorder do not be afraid to ask for help. Call the NEDA hotline at (800) 931-2237.
