Eating disorders are the most deadly mental illness and statistics indicate that various media outlets are partially to blame. This infographic illustrates the disparity between the media’s portrayal of a physically “ideal” woman and the actual average American woman. These statistics reveal that the way that the fashion and advertising industries influence women’s self-image.
Eating disorders can be physically and emotionally devastating. Symptoms such as extreme weight loss, changes in countenance and appearance, physical exhaustion, and/or anxiety and depression are more common than you think.
Eating disorders and social media
There is an increasing amount of coverage in the media about the supposed link between Social Media and Eating Disorders. It is an indication that this argument is of importance. The question is not about if the link exists but whether or not it is a positive one. On one side there is are social online movements that openly encourage eating disorder behaviors and promote trends like #ThighGap. Groups such as these unknowingly propel weaker individuals deeper into their disorders and should be moderated.
However, others take the opposing view that Social Media can also provide the vital support that ED suffers need to overcome their fears. These positive communities can encourage an open forum for help and relief to those on the brink of hopelessness enabling a road to recovery. Life Works Community is a highly successful rehabilitation clinic and specialises in the recovery of ED suffers. They have created this infographic to educate and inform the world about the subject. Please Share.
How media affects eating disorders?
80% of women are made insecure by images they see of women on television. More than two-thirds of women are influenced by underweight models in magazines, media outlets and social media. The main media should strongly consider changing the way that they portray women.
via blisstree.
Too often we are influenced and misled by the fashion industry and media to believe that thin is normal and beautiful. This spot-on infographic totally explains how pervasive this obsession is.
This is so true! And the statistics are shocking – really goes to show how the media can subconsciously influence us!
i suffered from anorexia in high school. this infographic is spot on!
i really find it interesting to watch movies from different decades and compare the women in them. The main characters that are considered beautiful have changed drastically over the years. Watching a movie from the late 80’s or early 90’s i was astonished during a bathing suit beach scene how much smaller all the women’s breast size was than in movies today. Smaller and more NORMAL and NATURAL.
This is very true and a realistic portrayal of how women are being set up. The graph is very atune to the various ways we’re tricked into thinking we’re so much bigger than the norm. Such a sad situation but good points were highlighted in this infograph!
This is so TRUE! Women are being set up to have eating disorders. I have eating disorders and so dies my friend. So we are each other support when it comes to this subject. And it’s not easy believe me. Especially around the Holidays. It’s very hard to keep it under control.
But we are very blessed to have each other so close, she is also my neighbor. Than you for this article.