Lopez 1

Lizbeth Lopez Writing 001-31 Matthew Moberly 22 November 2013

Illnesses Eating Us Up
Society and media are filled with portraits of pencil-thin models who seem to have it all, but behind the pretty faces there might be a dark secret life no one knows they live. We often hear famous Hollywood stars being affected by eating disorders yet, these illnesses can not only affect public figures but could also consume our loved ones and lead them to death. There has also been a steady increase in the prevalence of eating disorders, especially among children and pre-teens(School Obesity).Throughout the years the amount of people who convey eating disorders has continuously increased, as the population of victims increase, the age group seems to be affecting younger age groups. To prevent development of eating disorders we need to aid the public with enough knowledge to understand the meaning of eating disorders and the harm it can cause to our lives. In order for these rates to diminish, expanding awareness through education and media can be helpful sources in the reduction of victims. Eating disorders can be described as mental illnesses that can cause disturbances in your everyday diet. Diets may include eating small portions, or overeating. Victims of eating disorders are obsessed with food and gaining weight. According to Prahs article, Up to 35 million Americans have an eating disorders (Prah 121). Those who convey a disorder opt to hide the problem and decide to live it as a life style instead of an illness. Many make the decision to hide the illness due to shame or lack of awareness in coping with such situation, making them feel trapped in their own bodies with no escape.

Lopez 2

Some common disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating. Anorexia nervosa is a mental illness where victims see themselves overweight, and refuse to eat or only eat enough to survive. In contrary to anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa is characterized as the frequent consumption of large amounts of food and followed by repressions of over eating leading victims to purge. Bulimic behavior is done secretly due to the feeling of disgust or shame. In the other hand, binge-eating consists of frequently consuming large amounts of food. Unlike bulimia nervosa, binge eating is not followed by purging, fasting or excessive exercise. Some may experience some sort of guilt, shame and distress for binge-eating and lead to more binge-eating. Symptoms among disorders vary, but in conclusion they can all lead to serious if not fatal consequences if not treated. Other symptomscan become life-threatening if a person does not receive treatment (Eating Disorders1). Eating disorders are real, treatable medical illnesses that can be cured with proper treatment and guidance. Many innocent lives are taken due to absence of apprehension. In order for these illnesses to be diagnosed in time and treated, the public should first become aware and understand eating disorders, and its effects. A possible way to promote awareness could be by providing classes to the youth that can teach about possible mental illness affecting millions every year. Through these classes the students will gain knowledge and prepare themselves if they ever encounter situations where they find themselves stranded or aid someone who becomes a victim of eating disorders. Based on research, The sooner one gets help, the greater the likelihood that they will get better. Without early intervention eating disorders may become chronic, or even fatal (Muhlheim). Throughout research weve seen younger age groups become targets of eating disorders, and what better time to introduce these psychological classes than to the affected age groups.

Lopez 3

To inform the older, the rest of the population a possible approach can be the use of media. Media is a type of communication, a communication that can inform or influence people widely. The usage of media as a possible approach to these illnesses can have a major impact in the infected population.The more people know about eating disorders, the more they may seek help (Prah 139). We often see television commercials advertising laxatives or dieting pills to obtain a healthy, good looking, fit body. Instead of broadcasting unhealthy, dangerous advice these advertisements should portray a more positive healthy approach, instead of promoting unhealthy alternatives to obtain a desired shape. These television commercials can announce therapy, counseling options and detection tips to identify eating disorders. Much of the public looks upon media as a reassurance and informational source and seem to perceive and apprehend what is being broadcast, therefore television commercial could be a powerful source in promoting public awareness. Promoting awareness among young children and teens can be beneficial to the reduction of victims who convey these disorders. With such early intervention, it may seem unreasonable and irrational to introduce health classes to children at such early age, but physicians today say,eating disorders are appearing in younger and younger patients. Its not uncommon to find 8- and 12-years-olds with these disorders (Prah123). Eating disorders are pursuing younger victims and implementing these courses before the targeted population can reduce the amount of victims and can prepare children if they encounter such problem. Studies have shown that the targeted age group is no particular one, therefore the earlier the intervention the higher the likelihood of getting better or preventing such illnesses. Public awareness might be a complex issue that the cost of media producing ads can be pricy and extensive. Production cost for television ads can reach millions of dollars. With the

Lopez 4

economic crisis we face, money might not be as accessible. Inpatient care for an eating disorder can cost up to $30,000 a month and more than $100,000 for outpatient therapy(Prah125). These treatment costs are per patient, considering the amount of victims with eating disorders many families may not be financially equipped to pay treatment for their loved ones. Although television commercials might be out of budget, treatment cost for all victims of eating disorders does not go anywhere near production cost. Advertisements will not only improvise awareness but will reduce the number victims with eating disorders. The amount of money spent in advertisements would only be invested once, as opposed to treatment for illnesses the cost for treating these disorders will continue. Every year the number of victims with eating disorders increases. Promoting and setting out help to those in need may not eliminate the presence of these disorders, but will minimize the amount of victims who convey such illnesses and reduce death rates.We are near a tipping point with public awareness about eating disorders (Prah139). Before, we can eliminate or reduce the amount of people with such illnesses we need to provide the public with sufficient information to understand eating disorders and its effects. Media and educational courses may not eliminate the entire 38 million who are affected by eating disorders in a blink of an eye, but it will have many thinking twice before they kneel on a toilet seat an force themselves to purge, have someone double think whether they might still want to secretly starve themselves to avoid gaining weight. In order to help others, we first need to help ourselves. By doing so, we need to become knowledgeable of these hideous life-threatening condition that can impair peoples lifes. The best way to approach these conditions is by providing the public with the necessary information and knowledge to know when to seek for help or where to seek help to.

Lopez 5

Works Cited
Eating Disorders. National Insitude of Mental Health. N.p.: National Insitude of Mental Health, n.d. Print. Muhlheim, Lauren. "Articles for FEAST: Addressing Eating Disorders in Middle and High Schools." Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders Feb. 2012: n. pag. Print. Prah, Pamela. CQ Press: CQ Researcher Eating Disorders. Rep. N.p.: n.p., Wed. 06 Dec. 2013. Print. "School Obesity May Promote Worrisome Eating Behaviors and Physical Activity in Kids." C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Childrens Health 12 Jan. 2012: n. pag. Web.