The Negative Influence Of Eating Disorders In Media

In the United States, twenty million women and ten million men struggle with eating disorders (“Eating”). Society places high values on being thin, so it’s no wonder that men and women are pushing themselves to keep up with these ideals. People are resorting to vomiting, dieting, and starving themselves to fit in. The number of people with eating disorders has rapidly increased over the years as media has become a more prominent part of daily lives. Messages depicting “perfect” bodies are constantly seen in different mediums, pressuring men, women, and even children to aspire to have these impractical physiques. It has become unacceptable in society to be average or plus-sized, as if self-worth is based upon weight. Under the harsh pressures, many people default to eating disorders, which can take years to overcome, if ever. Eating …show more content…
The problem with the media is that it is easily accessed; therefore, many people can be negatively impacted. As part of culture, media has a strong influence over men and women everywhere, causing epidemics of people driving for the ever present ideal of thinness. This is seen throughout movies and television. Viewers feel the need to look fit and thin, when they see shows featuring these slim actors. Studies show that levels of self-esteem and confidence lower when people have access to the media (“Media”). Slender female characters and television stars are treated significantly better than average or overweight stars. Average and overweight celebrities are subjected to negative comments and insults. Laugh tracks make fun of celebrities over their weights, and people views these tracks as comical. Society is brainwashing people to believe that to be worthy, it is necessary to be thin (“Epidemic”). This sends the wrong messages to men, women, and children everywhere about how they should view larger body