How External Factors Impact Eating Disorder Prevalence
How do Social and Cultural Factors Impact Eating Disorder Development?
There is no “type” of person that is particularly prone to developing an eating disorder. This statement actually undermines what an eating disorder is! An eating disorder is not something you simply develop overnight. An eating disorder is a clinical diagnosis characterized by extreme concerns related to eating behaviors, body weight, and body image. There are dozens and dozens of factors that could impact the development of an eating disorder over a long period of time. Understanding some of the root causes of this diagnosis is crucial if we want to promote a full recovery for all.
Social factors are a key player in this conversation. How social you are, how many friends you have, and how you interact with other people all influence your character development. These practices also influence eating disorder development. Research shows that 40% of higher-weight kids are teased about their weight by peers or family members. The constant taunting can cause individuals to embark on unrealistic and unhealthy diets that lead them to engage in binge eating. The cycle of restriction followed by excessive indulgence is a component of Binge Eating Disorder, an eating disorder characterized by regular episodes of binge eating that feel chaotic or uncontrollable.
In recent years, health professionals have promoted the idea of the “obesity campaign” to raise awareness about health and disease. Terms like diet, obesity epidemic, and BMI began circulating and making their way into everyday conversations. While raising awareness, the constant talk about weight, shape, and appearance can be extremely detrimental. Research shows that the incidence of weight stigma has increased about 66% as a result of this campaign. Unfortunately, this reveals that overemphasizing weight can have counterproductive effects by encouraging disordered eating and eating disorders.
Cultural factors are another influencer of eating disorder development. Western culture has placed immense value on having the “perfect body” and has glorified thinness. Many celebrities have set an unhealthy and unrealistic standard for how our bodies are supposed to look. Some celebrities have even joined forces with companies that promote toxic diets. The western definition is typically limited and narrow-minded. This can make people feel that they are not pretty or good enough, causing them to restrict their diets. With time, restriction can develop into a complex and serious medical issue.
In reality, these social and cultural ideals are so wrong. Your body is meant to reflect who YOU are and help you meet your nutritional needs. Every single body is different. It would be strange if everyone looked the same. It would even be strange if you looked the same as you did 10 years ago! Our bodies are meant to change. Trust your intuition because your body usually knows what it wants.
It is an understatement to say that eating disorders are only influenced by social and cultural factors. Eating disorders are complex mental health disorders that have physical side effects. They are influenced by a range of factors including psychological factors, the environment, social circumstance, access to medical care, genetics, and so much more. Just as they don’t happen in one night, they don’t disappear in one night. Eating disorder recovery requires a team of professionals. Recovery may be riddled with setbacks, but it is still possible.
Sources:
“Risk Factors.” National Eating Disorders Association, https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/risk-factors.Accessed 10 March 2022.