Eating Disorders Communication

omeone presented last week a presentation on the problems of obesity in America. While obesity is a concern for us as a society, the other side of the spectrum is also rather alarming, the most common eating disorders being anorexia and bulimia. There are many Americans, especially young women, who are afflicted with an eating disorder. This feeling of inadequacy is largely perpetuated by advertising of the so-called "beautiful" look that people should strive for.

Currently in America, there are as many as 10 million women and 1 million men battling anorexia and/or bulimia, and what's more is that many have never sought treatment. According to National Eating Disorders Association's website, as many as 80% of women are unhappy with one or more aspects of their body. Perhaps what's even more concerning is the number of America's youth that are concerned with weight loss. According to the NEDA website, 42% of 1st to 3rd graders want to be thinner, and 81% of 10-year olds are afraid of being "fat". While staying in shape is important, it is also important to stress to children that staying "fit" and "skinny" aren't the same thing.

However, very recently, some commercials and advertising has gotten back down to Earth in it's "let's keep it real" attitude. This is definitely a positive change in advertisements that influence so many, especially America's youth. These new marketing techniques support that everyone is made differently, and reflect "real life" people. However, the majority of advertising still utilize Olympian-looking male models and supermodel women, encouraging that "you should look like this, and if you use our product, you will". No one can deny that staying in shape and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are important values, however, the attitude of "thin is beautiful" is both a dangerous and irresponsible message to convey to consumers and our youth.