Eating Disorders Argument Essay

Weight issues over time have become a large problem in our society. Obesity, diet talk (such as parents discussing the prevention of unhealthy eating habits and obesity), as well as body teasing can often lead to eating disorders, which is a pressing matter because it puts the health of many at risk. Eating disorders have risen to the third most common chronic illness that affects adolescents, especially girls; however, they also have become prevalent among males and minorities (Golden, et al.). It is essential these problems are addressed in order to decrease the number of cases in addition to solving them in a healthy and positive way. Pediatricians play an important role in this issue due to their ability to work towards the prevention of eating disorders in ways such as promoting positive body image, asking about one’s history in bullying/body teasing, encouraging healthy family meals, observing the progression of …show more content…
According to Munkholm, et al., about one fifth of children who struggle with some type of an eating disorder also had a mental disorder. Prior research that had been done among 7-10 year olds indicated that those with restricted or emotional eating, also had an emotional disorder (Munkholm, et al.). Dr. Tom Insel, a director for the National Institute of Mental Health states, ‘“Recent research on eating disorders supports the these are serious mental disorders with significant morbidity and mortality,” (“Position Statement: Eating Disorders Are Serious Mental Illness”). Even though there may be scientific/medical evidence proving eating disorders are mental disorders, not every child, adolescent, or even adult, has a mental disorder before or during an eating disorder. However, weight issues are experienced by everyone at some point within their life, whether it’s obesity, diet talk, body image, or weight