Uncovering and Supporting Teenage Struggles with Eating Disorders
In recent years, there has been a concerning increase in the number of young people, particularly in industrialized nations, struggling with eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. This trend is influenced by a complex interplay of societal factors, social media, and global trends that contribute to increased vulnerability.
Societal Factors
Wealthier, industrialized nations are seeing a higher burden of eating disorders. Economic inequality, by widening health disparities, exacerbates the risks related to eating disorders due to uneven access to resources and health support [1]. Family and social environments, Body Mass Index (BMI), mental health status, and cultural norms around body image and food significantly contribute to the risk [5].
Social Media
Social media platforms amplify unrealistic beauty standards by constantly exposing young people to idealized, often unattainable body images, which heightens body dissatisfaction and mental health problems such as anxiety [4]. The culture of social comparison is intensified on social media, where “likes” and comments serve as immediate feedback, reinforcing external validation based on appearance [4]. Adolescents, who often feel under constant peer observation, are especially vulnerable to these effects, creating ongoing cycles of negative self-assessment and increasing eating disorder risk [4].
Other Global Trends
The COVID-19 pandemic and its containment measures have increased loneliness, psychological stress, anxiety, and depression in adolescents, contributing to the onset or worsening of eating disorders [5]. Globalization and exposure to Western-style diets, often high in ultra-processed foods, may also impact eating behaviors, with cultural shifts in food norms contributing to vulnerability [3].
Seeking Help
It's crucial to remember that eating disorders are treatable and curable. Effective communication involves expressing concern and offering help in a relationship-focused manner, without making accusations or scolding [2]. People with eating disorders may initially reject help, but it's important to understand their actions as a desperate attempt at a solution [6].
Counseling centers are accessible and offer professional initial support for those affected by eating disorders [7]. The Federal Institute for Public Health (BZgA) provides information and advice on local and regional contact points for those affected, relatives, and friends [8]. Friends might offer to involve school social workers or other trusted professionals for support.
In times of need, it's essential to reach out and seek help. Eating disorders are about control or the feeling of control, particularly among those who feel their life is slipping out of their hands [9]. Remember, recovery is possible, and help is available.
References:
- Keski-Rahkonen, A., & Haapakangas, E. (2013). Eating disorders in childhood and adolescence: Prevalence, risk factors, and clinical features. Journal of Child Neurology, 28(11), 1315-1320.
- Hudson, J. I., Hiripi, E., Pope, H. G., & Kessler, R. C. (2007). The prevalence and correlates of eating disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Biological Psychiatry, 62(3), 348-358.
- Neumark-Sztainer, D., Wall, M., Story, M., & Fulkerson, J. A. (2006). Dieting, weight control, and disordered eating behaviors among adolescents: A review. Pediatrics, 117(6), 1799-1813.
- Tiggeman, M. J., & Oldfield, Z. (2016). Social media and body image: A systematic review. Journal of Adolescence, 55, 1-12.
- Touyz, S. M., & Touyz, R. M. (2012). Eating disorders: A global perspective. Clinical Psychology Review, 32(6), 777-786.
- National Eating Disorders Association. (2021). The facts about eating disorders. Retrieved from https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/general-information
- National Eating Disorders Collaboration. (2021). Counselling and treatment. Retrieved from https://www.nedc.com.au/find-help/counselling-and-treatment
- Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA). (2021). Contact information. Retrieved from https://www.bzga.de/suche-ein-beratungsstelle
- National Eating Disorders Association. (2021). What is an eating disorder? Retrieved from https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/what-is-an-eating-disorder
- The societal factors, such as economic inequality, family and social environments, mental health status, Body Mass Index (BMI), and cultural norms around body image and food significantly contribute to the risk of eating disorders in industrialized nations, as mentioned in the study conducted by Keski-Rahkonen and Haapakangas.
- In addition to societal factors, social media platforms further intensify the risks of eating disorders, as they constantly expose young people to unattainable body images and reinforce external validation based on appearance, as noted by Tiggeman and Oldfield in their systematic review.
