Written by: Arya Tondale
Edited by: Eindrea Myaing
Fashion trends have always been a statement to who we are as an individual and have impacted our society for centuries. These trends do not just apply to the clothes we wear but also to the bodies that wear them. You know what I am talking about. From the 80s - 90s extremely skinny Heroin Chic physique to surgically enhanced curvy bodies of the 2010s, we have seen a wide range of trends. We know trends come and go in a cycle, but it’s important to know the risks that come with it, especially when it comes to our bodies. While the world of fashion is exciting and colorful, it can have detrimental effects on our body image and self-esteem.
THE IDEAL BODY AND ITS INFLUENCE
Influencers and celebrities set trends on social media platforms that people from all walks of life and age groups are exposed to. This accessibility through social media has influenced younger children to go by these trends. That’s because the human brain is more open to learning and being shaped by external factors when we are young. Our brains continue to build those synaptic connections in our childhood more than an adult brain does.
According to an article called TheSocialTalks, “The increasing popularity of Y2K fashion only makes these trends clearer, as low-rise and cut-outs seem to favor a specific body type. Moreover, the entertainment industry appears to keep up with the change in culture, with shows like Euphoria depicting heavy drug and alcohol use among teenagers, something that strikingly recalls the 90s and early 00s social scene.” (Team, 2022) Y2K trend is a good example of how fashion trends are not plus size inclusive and catered to having a skinny body type. It revolves less around fashion and more around the celebration of slender bodies. The focus shifted to the body as the epitome of fashion. The rise of filters, AI, airbrush tools and retouching apps have distorted our view of what real people look like. These trends can trigger eating disorders unknowingly in an individual.
Celebrities like the Kardashians, K-pop idols, and influencers are always talking about their diets, medical procedures, and gym routines. We look up to these idols and influencers because they end up becoming our role models and we tend to build a lifestyle like they portray. There is a negative narrative created about what is socially acceptable and what is not. When we compare, we tend to follow the crowd, thinking it is the right choice. We end up believing that “Yes, this is what beauty is, and this is how I should look.”
This influences us to change our lifestyle. We notice the type of clothes they wear and think how to make ourselves fit into those certain clothes which are not unaffordable, or do not meet our body size. It forces us to give in to these trends to be cool and up to date. Yes, often it can make us feel confident, and we feel that we are finally fitting in with society, but on the other hand, it can negatively impact us and contribute to unhealthy eating habits.
WHAT ARE EATING DISORDERS?
Eating disorders are behavioral conditions characterized by severe and persistent disturbance in eating behaviors and associated distressing thoughts and emotions. They can be very serious conditions affecting physical, psychological and social function. Some types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, other specified feeding and eating disorder, pica, and rumination disorder (Guarda, 2023).
Eating Disorders affect millions of individuals at any given time. With people who identify themselves as females between the ages of 12 and 35 being more vulnerable to it than any other demographic. Additionally, researchers have discovered that eating disorders are biologically influenced illnesses, and not simply lifestyle choices. Genetic research is studying genes that may increase the risk of eating disorders and how genes interact with the environment to understand the development of these conditions. This approach shows that both genetics and the environment influence eating disorders, making them complex conditions (Guarda, 2023).
It might start slowly as you start becoming preoccupied with calories, dieting, and weight. You might start skipping meals in order to stay in shape and fit into those jeans you were influenced to buy. Some extreme cases can include purging and abusing diet pills and participating in extreme weight loss workouts. This is just a few examples of how eating disorders start, but there is not a specific checklist of symptoms as a person developing an eating disorder will not exhibit the symptoms immediately (2023).
People suffering from eating disorders go to great lengths to hide their symptoms. They often feel that it is their personal failure to have control over their eating habits and body weight, leading to helplessness and guilt. Eating disorders can lead to social withdrawal and isolation. People with eating disorders may avoid social interactions and gatherings involving food due to fear of judgment and scrutiny from others. This self isolation can intensify their feelings of shame and embarrassment. When it comes to eating disorders, society often blames the person experiencing them. One can accuse them of lacking self control or choosing to have an eating disorder. This stigma drives them into secrecy due to embarrassment and shame. This hinders their ability to seek help and support from their peers, which accelerates the severity of their condition.
SO HOW CAN WE TACKLE THIS SILENT EPIDEMIC?
It is important to recognize that idealized body trends are not inherently harmful, but the way they are portrayed and the behaviors associated with them can result in adverse consequences. We can take several steps to combat the rise of eating disorders, with some steps already being implemented in the media:
Promoting Transparency in Image Editing
Raising Awareness through Education
Promoting Body Positivity
Fostering Diverse Representations
It’s vital to create a supportive and caring environment to show empathy to those dealing with eating disorders. Start by listening to them without judgment, allowing them to express their feelings openly. Be a kind and understanding listener, and avoid commenting on their looks or eating habits. Keep in mind that eating disorders can have a genetic component, meaning that they can run in families. This suggests that certain genetic factors may increase an individual’s susceptibility to developing an eating disorder. However, genetics is just one piece of the puzzle, and environmental and psychological factors also play significant roles in the development of these disorders. By addressing body image concerns, promoting body positive trends, and fostering inclusive fashion, we can collectively work to combat the silent epidemic of eating disorders and promote healthier relationships with our bodies.
References:
Team, zoe. mazzoni | T. (2022, December 1). The return of the early 2000s fashion: Eating disorders and body trends. TheSocialTalks. https://thesocialtalks.com/blog/the-return-of-the-early-2000s-fashion-eating-disorders-and-boy-trends/
Guarda, A. (2023, February). What are eating disorders?. Psychiatry.org - What are Eating Disorders? https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/eating-disorders/what-are-eating-disorders
Warning signs and symptoms. National Eating Disorders Association. (2023, September 15). https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/warning-signs-and-symptoms
Wray, M. (2022, September 12). Y2K aesthetic: Gen Z is reviving the 2000s thin obsession. FASHION Magazine. https://fashionmagazine.com/style/y2k-aesthetic/
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