Eating Disorders: The Influence Of Anorexia

Introduction “Maria obsessively counts calories, measures food portions, and weighs herself at least twice a day. She refuses to eat at restaurants, in the school cafeteria, or anywhere else in public, and she lives on salad dressed with vinegar, rice cakes, and sugar-free Jello. Maria also has a large stash of fat-free candy in her room. She allows herself to indulge as long as she goes for a run right afterwards.” This type of behavior is the perfect example of anorexia. Anorexia is a very serious eating disorder that involves counting calories and eating almost nothing because of insecurities that people feel about their bodies. Anorexia is typically associated with teenage girls, but it can affect people of all ages and genders.
Definition …show more content…
Social media can have an influence on those who have anorexia and those who may be considering starting to diet unhealthily. To help try to stop the spread of the influence of anorexia, Instagram has begun not allowing pro-anorexia words to be used on Instagram such as “thinspiration”. The inspirational stories of celebrities can also help curb the influence of anorexia. Many celebrities have gone through the struggles of anorexia. Some examples are, Jessica Alba, Mary Kate Olsen, Lady Gaga, and Kelly Clarkson.
Effects on the person/Day-to-Day Life
A victim of anorexia will feel weak and tired. They may notice they have dry hair and skin. Their hair may also fall out. The victim may feel depressed and become withdrawn. They will bruise easily and feel cold all the time. In their mind they will justify what they are doing and hope that the more they keep doing this the more people will like them. They will need people to support them and comfort them during their hard times. As fragile as they may have been before their eating disorder, the more fragile they will be during and after it. It is up to those around the victim to help.