The focus on one’s physical appearance and attractiveness strongly affects people in the modern age of social media and aggressive advertising. Young men and women whose growing bodies change quickly may fall victims of trying to adhere to the image created by others. Excessive information about diets and the idea that a “perfect body” should be among people’s most desirable goals destroy some persons’ lives. Eating disorders, including anorexia and bulimia nervosa, can affect people of all ages and genders, being prevalent in younger individuals (Fichter & Quadflieg, 2016). For instance, more than 10 percent of all young people experience an eating disorder before they turn 20 (Culbert, Racine, & Klump, 2015). However, these problems can be prevented and treated if a person seeks professional medical help and takes a few steps to recovery.
The causes of eating disorders may vary from one person to another. Some individuals believe that a thin body equates to attractiveness, wanting to belong to a certain company or community. Others are driven by their athletic achievements, thinking that a smaller frame will help to be fast and strong. The outcomes of these thoughts are serious – the mortality of people with untreated eating disorders is much higher than that of individuals with depression or schizophrenia (Fichter & Quadflieg, 2016). In particular, anorexia is among the most dangerous mental health problems for younger adults. Eating disorders may go unacknowledged for a long time.
The problem in asking for help is rooted in the feeling of shame. To combat eating disorders, a person has to overcome his or her fear and guilt. One’s thoughts about worthlessness exacerbate the problem further, and embarrassment becomes the driver that pushes victims to hide their condition instead of seeking assistance and support. The Christian outlook reminds these people that this feeling of shame is false (Uhley, 2016). One’s value is measured not by their appearance but by their existence and trust in the Creator. Thus, seeking help and battling the disorder is a way to accept that all people were created by God and loved by Him regardless of how thin they are.
Notes: Such images as one’s obsession with advertisements and models can be used to visualize unhealthiness. Symptoms, weaknesses, and outcomes can also be used to raise awareness in opposition to healthy, happy relationships and self-acceptance.
References
Culbert, K. M., Racine, S. E., & Klump, K. L. (2015). Research review: What we have learned about the causes of eating disorders – A synthesis of sociocultural, psychological, and biological research. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 56(11), 1141-1164. Web.
Fichter, M. M., & Quadflieg, N. (2016). Mortality in eating disorders – Results of a large prospective clinical longitudinal study. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 49(4), 391-401. Web.
Uhley, J. (2016). Chapter 10: Emotional obstacles to wisdom. In A. DiVincenzo (Ed.), The beginning of wisdom: An introduction to Christian thought and life. Web.