The social media beauty standards promoting inches and curves have caused a considerable societal buzz. With the idealization of flat tummies in women and muscle builds in men as the so-called “beautiful,” we see a significant number of individuals, particularly teenagers, develop eating disorders. Research indicates that the pressure to conform to these beauty ideals is linked to a rise in disordered eating behaviors, which can lead to severe mental health issues such as anxiety and depression [1]. Let us understand what it is through this blog.
1. What Is an Eating Disorder?
As the name suggests, an eating disorder is a disturbance in the normal eating habits of a person. These multifaceted mental health conditions encompass not only how a person feels about food but also their emotional and psychological well-being. Eating disorders can significantly impact relationships, academic or professional success, and life goals [2]. Thus, recognizing the symptoms early and seeking help is crucial for recovery.
2. What To Look Out For?
While there are various types of eating disorders, certain common signs could indicate a problem:
Are you anxious about eating in public or constantly trying to hide your plate from friends?
Have you set strict rules around your food intake?
Are you increasing your exercise to compensate for extra calories?
Do you frequently criticize your appearance when looking in the mirror?
Are you feeling depressed because you cannot control your eating habits?
Moreover, your body may start exhibiting concerning symptoms. Expect to experience dizziness, dehydration, and fluctuations in blood pressure if you are engaging in erratic diets and intense workouts [3].
3. You Have It; So, What Next?
Living with an eating disorder can be painful and challenging, but it is important to know you are not alone. Identifying whether you have the condition is the first step towards recovery. With appropriate professional help, you can regain control of your life and health [4].
4. What Should You Do?
Understand that beauty standards and societal views will continue to evolve. In 20 years, people may very well criticize our current ideals, so it is unwise to invest your energy in them.
The reality is often far removed from the polished images you see on social media. Those seemingly flawless models have undergone extensive editing, making them unrealistic representations of beauty [5].
You are beautiful just the way you are! Your body is a unique expression of you, and true beauty lies in diversity. Imagine a world where everyone looked the same; we need a variety of shapes and sizes to create a vibrant society.
* Seek help. While the above-mentioned steps are important for your journey to recovery, reaching out to family and friends and seeking professional assistance is vital.
The world can be daunting with its unrealistic standards of perfection. While maintaining a nutrient-rich diet and a healthy exercise routine is essential, remember that you embody beauty, regardless of your appearance.
If you're looking for guidance or support regarding your eating habits, consider an online doctor consultation. Our AI doctor can help you understand your situation better. You can chat with a doctor online and receive the support you need. Remember, it's perfectly okay to discuss your concerns with a healthcare professional online.
References:
- Rosa S Wong, Bianca N K Chan, Sok Ian Lai, Keith T S Tung. School-based eating disorder prevention programmes and their impact on adolescent mental health: systematic review.. PubMed. 2024.
- Keisha N Adams, Elizabeth Hovel. Eating Disorders: All that a Pediatrician Should Know.. PubMed. 2024.
- Gülsüm Zekiye Tuncer, Zekiye Çetinkaya Duman. Effects of the guided self-help based on shared decision making on eating behaviors in an individual with bipolar disorder.. PubMed. 2022.
- Francesca Mastorci, Maria Francesca Lodovica Lazzeri, Paolo Piaggi, Cristina Doveri, Anselmo Casu, Gabriele Trivellini, Irene Marinaro, Cristina Vassalle, Alessandro Pingitore. Relationship between eating disorders perception and psychosocial profile in school-dropout adolescents.. PubMed. 2023.
- Anfal A Al-Jumayan, Najeebah A Al-Eid, Nouf A AlShamlan, Reem S AlOmar. Prevalence and associated factors of eating disorders in patrons of sport centers in Saudi Arabia.. PubMed. 2021.