Written by: Cindy Wang
Edited by: Maggie Wang
Throughout the ages, body image anxiety has plagued young girls. External beauty standards have become increasingly detailed and strict, leading to more and more girls pursuing extreme and unhealthy body shapes. One of the major factors in this unhealthy desire is the “slimness ideal” or the idea of finding thin to be attractive. But what is considered "overweight" or "slim?” Why is it that these labels have such an impact on how we perceive beauty? In our society today, numerous young women face body image anxiety, and some of them choose to take extreme measures. These individuals are born to thrive, but conditions like anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder marked by severe food restriction and distorted self-perception can push them dangerously close to self-destruction (DSM 2016).
It’s worth mentioning that while anorexia can affect people of either gender, it’s more common in women. Nine out of ten individuals diagnosed with this condition are female (Pathak 2023). This may be because women often face pressure from appearance and tend to be more concerned with their body image than men. Another study showed that brain differences might also be related to eating disorder rates across gender differences; women in virtual body image observations were found to have stronger responses to body image. Women diagnosed with anorexia were shown to have differences in the levels of chemicals in their brains and the functioning of brain chemicals (circuits) that control hunger and eating (Mandel n.d.). These findings show the complex relationship between gender-related emotional stress and food.
Anorexia can be caused by various factors that can include societal expectations, family pressure, psychological struggles (e.g. anxiety/depression), career demands, and significant life changes or stress (Pathak 2023). Negative emotions are strongly linked to the development of anorexia and experiencing frequent conflicts between parents can have a profound impact on a child’s emotions and wellbeing, in some cases leading to the development of negative emotions. Imagine yourself in this scenario: you come home to frequent fights between your parents resulting in a daily fear of family rupture. This fear drives you to indulge in over-eating high-calorie food to obtain a temporary rush of dopamine to counteract your stress. You then receive negative comments from parents about weight gain and start to believe that you need to be slim to be worthy. Verbal insults can act as catalysts to its development. Saying things like, "You should lose some weight," or, "You look too fat for a girl," can spark a cycle of low self-esteem. Thus, worthiness in the scenario illustrates how an individual perceives self-esteem or values based on physical appearance, specifically their weight and body shape, and this belief often comes from societal beauty ideals perpetuated by media, cultural norms, and societal expectations.
Physical symptoms include fragile hair and nails, persistent coldness due to lowered body temperature, fatigue, irregular menstruation, and the development of fine body hair known as lanugo (Anorexia 2022). On the psychological front, anorexia can lead to mood swings, confusion, memory and judgment problems, and ongoing feelings of depression. Additionally, individuals with anorexia may become preoccupied with discussions about weight and food, engage in extreme food restrictions, avoid eating in public, and isolate themselves socially. People with anorexia may exhibit behaviors such as vomiting, improper use of laxatives or diet pills, and excessive exercise (Anorexia 2022).
Ignoring anorexia can lead to consequences such as heart issues, low blood pressure, and even heart attacks. Additionally, there are health issues that may arise gradually as a result of anorexia, including anemia and osteoporosis. It is important to note that anorexia can even lead to death. Because of this, it is crucial to provide support and treatment options to establish a supportive environment where individuals with anorexia feel comfortable seeking help without experiencing any fear or shame (Anorexia 2022). When a loved one is diagnosed with anorexia, it’s not just their body that is affected, but also their emotional well-being. Therefore, as a friend and family member, what can you do to provide meaningful support? Being an understanding listener, encouraging self-care such as meditation, and being patient and understanding through their recovery journey are just some examples that offer emotional support for individuals who are experiencing anorexia.
Many individuals with anorexia can regain healthy eating habits and reach a healthy weight through various treatments. These treatments can include nutritional therapy, psychotherapy, participation in support groups, and medication. It is crucial for individuals who have been diagnosed to understand that negative emotions and anxiety should not undermine their self-worth. Thus, it is possible for them to one day appreciate the joy of food again, like experiencing the beauty of a symphony or feeling the comforting warmth of the morning sun
References:
Mandel, T. (n.d.). Prevalence of Eating Disorders in Men versus Women – An Ecological Approach to Obesity and Eating Disorders. Pressbooks. https://pressbooks.pub/btugman/chapter/prevalence-of-eating-disorders-in-men-vs-women/
Office on Women's Health. (2022, February 22). Anorexia nervosa. Retrieved from https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/mental-health-conditions/eating-disorders/anorexia-nervosa
Pathak, N. (2023, May 4). Anorexia Nervosa: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/eating-disorders/anorexia-nervosa/mental-health-anorexia-nervosa
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). Table 19, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Anorexia Nervosa Comparison. Nih.gov; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519712/table/ch3.t15/
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