Adolescents’ Eating Disorders Essay

In the US, three categories of eating disorders are traditionally distinguished: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and an unspecified eating disorder, which is diagnosed in about 50% of all cases of eating disorders. The criteria for anorexia and bulimia are quite stringent and are often not met even in those patients whose eating disorders, undoubtedly, cause significant dysfunctionality. For example, a person can overeat and occasionally eliminate food, but not often enough to meet the diagnostic criteria for bulimia. Another example: in a patient, periods of overeating can alternate with periods of restriction of food intake and compliance with strict diets.

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The Issue of Body Image and Eating Disorders in Adolescents

Body image is the mental picture we hold on our physical appearance. It largely affects our mental and physical health. According to Smolak, body image problems begin at early ages and may last throughout life. Especially girls, by age 6, start to concern about their shape, appearance and 40-60% of elementary school girls are concerned about their weight (2011). Body image issues may strongly impact our perception of self and feelings of self-esteem.

To overcome these problems, especially teenagers tend to use unhealthy weight control behaviors such as skipping meals, taking laxatives, etc. ending up with eating disorders. In the United States, 69-84% of women exhibit body dissatisfaction, typically preferring a smaller figure than their present frame. Besides girls, boys express concerns about their appearance as well, preferring larger or more muscular body. Dieting due to body dissatisfaction may be influenced by cultural factors.

Beauty is a cultural construct, often narrowly defined in every culture and reinforced by media images. According to Rudd and Lennon, we often use cultural standards to compare and monitor our appearance in relation to others, which leads to stigmatizing and teasing those who deviate from the ideal (121). As there are some evidence of high rates of dieting and body dissatisfaction, it may lead to some individuals engage in extreme behaviors, such as excessive restrictions.

According to Thompson and Smolak, this may become a cause of a more serious eating disorders (anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa) (5). The longitudinal studies by Neumark-Sztainer show that dieting and unhealthful weight-control behaviors may result in obesity and eating disorders 5 years later. To prevent obesity and eating disorders in adolescents, the long-term implementation of healthful eating and physical activity is essential (566).

Works Cited

1. Neumark-Sztainer, Dianne, et al. “Obesity, Disordered Eating, and Eating Disorders in a Longitudinal Study of Adolescents: How Do Dieters Fare 5 Years Later?” Journal of the American Dietetic Association, vol. 106, no. 4, 2006, pp. 559–568., doi:10.1016/j.jada.2006.01.003.

2. Rudd, Nancy A., and Sharron J. Lennon. “Body Image: Linking Aesthetics and Social Psychology of Appearance.” Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, vol. 19, no. 3, 2001, pp. 120–133., doi:10.1177/0887302×0101900303.

3. Thompson, J. Kevin. “Introduction: Body Image, Eating Disorders, and Obesity – an Emerging Synthesis.” Body Image, Eating Disorders, and Obesity: An Integrative Guide for Assessment and Treatment., pp. 1–20., doi:10.1037/10502-001.

4. Smolak, L., & Cash, T. F. (2011). "Future challenges for body image science, practice, and prevention." In T. F. Cash & L. Smolak (Eds.), Body image: A handbook of science, practice, and prevention (2nd ed., pp. 471–478). New York: Guilford Press.