Eating Disorders Research Paper

There has been an alarming rise in eating disorders among teenagers. Our culture and its idealization of a slender figure is a leading cause. Many turn to the media for trends and to find out what’s “in”. Through advertising, television, films, and the fashion industry the message relentlessly being shown is that thin is in. The desire to be skinny and pretty has driven teenagers to anorexia or bulimia as the solution to getting the “perfect body”. However, it can lead to numerous problems. Extensive, not to mention expensive therapy is needed in order to get back in good health. What’s worse is that sufferers tend to hide this behavior which makes it harder for them to get help before it’s too late. Through the media’s easy control over teenagers
In Worsnop). It makes the victim become vulnerable to what other’s think. Also, having an eating disorder doesn’t help your social life. It will make one more “withdrawn and less social” (Eating Disorders: Part II) because they become obsessed with their weight. Then they won’t be able to concentrate on anything else. Eating disorders are not fun and no good comes of it. It’s also seen that “both anorexia and bulimia can lead to feelings of guilt and depression” (Hellmich). The worst is that eating disorders can lead to death, and at best, they leave a person with mental issues such as feeling and looking
It has warped and hurt much of young peoples’ minds and bodies. Children should be taught that people come in all shapes and sizes and should be accepted for who they are, not what they look like. For these reasons, it should not be a life-style choice or even considered as one. As White stated, “We need images of [people] who can be considered beautiful.” This way the controversial issues on the media and eating disorders can be eliminated.

Works Citied
“Eating Disorders: Part II.” Harvard Mental Health Letter Nov. 1997: 1-5
Gay, Kathlyn. Eating Disorders-Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating. Berkeley Heights, Enslow Publ., 2003.
Hellmich, Nanci. “Do Thin Models Warp Girls' Body Image?” USA TODAY Sept. 25, 2006, n.p.
Prah, P. M. 2006, February 10. “Eating disorders.” CQ Researcher, 16, 121-144. March 1, 2007, from CQ Researcher Online, .
Siegel, Michele, Judith Brisman, and Margot Weinshel. Surviving an Eating Disorder: Strategies for Family and Friends. New York: HarperPerennial, 1997.
White, Tanika. “Fashion industry starting to ask whether too thin is in.” Baltimore Sun 2 Feb. 2007, The (MD).
Worsnop, Richard L. 1992, December 18. “Eating disorders.” CQ Researcher , 2, 1097-1120. March 1, 2007, from CQ Researcher Online, (1992, December