Summary: The Globalization Of Eating Disorders

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“Eating disorders do not exist,” claim those in denial of the world around them. “Anorexic and bulimic children do not exist because there is no possible way they could learn those habits,” states an ignorant adult that is not aware of the advanced technology around them. The lack of awareness revolving around eating disorders is not nearly enough because there are still people denying the proof in front of them that anorexia, bulimia, and Binge Eating Disorder are real. In fact, the more innovation the human race has in the technological field, the younger people will learn about eating disorders. The globalization of eating disorders is mostly caused by the expansion of technology, magazines, and advertisements all over the world.
As technology
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“Many research studies have discovered a connection between exposure to fashion magazines and a heightened level of eating disorder symptoms in girls” (Karges 1). This quote shows that there are real life examples as to how magazines can alter the way women can view themselves after exposure to a magazine. Whether it be Cosmopolitan or Playboy, both still show an “ideal” body type even if that may not be the intent of the magazine. Typically shown on a magazine cover or in different articles such as “10 Ways to Please Your Man,” the chances of seeing a white, skinny female is more likely than a woman of color or with any form of “fat” on her. A writer for the Huffington Post gives a statistic stating: “According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, nearly 70 percent of girls in grades five through 12 said magazine images influence their ideals of a perfect body…” (Pearson 1). Even in lower grades such as grade five and six, girls were able to convey that magazines did influence their idea as to what a “perfect body” looks like. Although a magazine the girls are seeing do not have articles directed towards weight loss and dieting, the Photoshopped bodies of their favorite celebrities is enough to influence how people think about what they are seeing; especially if it is a constant in all of the magazines they are reading and every other media outlet …show more content…
As certain forms of media become more accessible all over the world, eating disorders are more likely to develop. Technological innovations help magazines be sent all over the world, and every part of the world has some form of advertisement. Society has created its own idea as to what beautiful looks like, and that is marketed towards the public. Since the idea of a “perfect body” has become so normal, the self-destructive ideals are surrounded by a positive atmosphere. Ultimately, all of the results of an eating disorder are negative and there is no way to stop that unless media actually starts promoting body positivity and that everyone is beautiful, not a specific type of person is beautiful. Nothing will change unless the media and society’s view of beauty changes and becomes a healthier, realistic expectation for both male and

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