Coping with Eating Disorders: Introduction

Mostly women suffer from eating disorders but an increasing proportion of young men are also experiencing them. They are as much a social and cultural problem as a personal one.

We live in a society where the media constantly bombard us with images of successful people who are portrayed as thin. Women's bodies are particularly scrutinised by the fashion industry. There is often pressure to fit into a certain type of look that is currently fashionable. Since the 1960's fashion models in the West have become markedly both underweight and taller than the national average woman.

Increased photographic skills and other technical expertise has resulted in the reproduction of images of women which are glamorous, superhuman and perfect. Even the models don't actually look as perfect or glamorous as their photos appear.

We are given the message that looking thin means being successful in society. Pressure to conform and the fear of loss of control leads to worry about one's body image or weight.

On top of this, millions of pounds are spent by the dieting industry on advertising. Research shows that 90% of men and women are concerned with their body size and diet or exercise in an attempt to redefine their natural body shape.

Other Contributory Factors

• Low self-esteem
• Relationship or family problems
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress

The eating disorder itself is usually symptomatic of an underlying emotional or psychological issue. The underlying issues are not necessarily unusual or traumatic incidents but may be fairly commonly experienced problems that have built up over a period of time.