What are some of the reasons why girls choose to be anorexic or bulimic BESIDES the media?

Answer 1

First, an eating disorder is not a choice in most cases.

"Psychiatrists have singled out several characteristics which they say are typical of anorexics.

These include: a dominant, over-protective and critical mother and a passive or withdrawn father and a tendency to perfectionism, a strong desire for social approval and a need for order and control.

However, many of these characteristics have been the subject of dispute.

The media and its emphasis on super-thin models is also blamed by some for influencing the way people, particularly girls, see themselves and making them believe looks are all-important.

Feminists argue that it is not the images in themselves which are harmful, but the fact that women still derive much of their sense of self-worth from whether they please men.

Anorexia nervosa is a form of intentional self-starvation. What may begin as a normal diet is carried to extremes, with many reducing their intake to an absolute minimum. It is also characterised by obsessive behaviour. The majority of anorexics deny they have a problem. "

"Some experts believe bulimia is the result of an imbalance of chemicals to the brain, but others think the illness is more likely to be linked to a lack of self-worth.

It is thought that up to half of anorexics also suffer from bulimia and some 40% of bulimics are reported to have a history of anorexia.

Sufferers tend to be older than anorexics, take a longer time to recover and are more likely to commit suicide.

Treatment for bulimia includes the use of drugs such as antidepressants, counselling which examines the cause of bulimic behaviour and behavioural modification, including education about healthy eating."

Answer 2

Honestly, it does not have much to do with the media. We go on and on about thin models causing rampant anorexia, but america is not suffering death due to anorexia, its facing mass death due to being overweight.

Causes of anorexia are perhaps 50% genetic. Its linked to clinical depression. Anorexics are comforting themselves by seizing complete control over one area of their lives. Anorexics tend to show signs of being obsessive, having high restraint, and being perfectionists.

Death among anorexics is more often by suicide then starvation. Sure, you can blame the media for giving them the image of 'thin = perfect". But ultimately, anorexics are unhappy perfectionists who need help. If we told them some other body shape was perfect, they might pursue that with suicidal vigor instead.

Answer 3

It probably starts with insecurity in the way they look...they think that they're fat, so they want to lose weight. When a person is anorexic, they don't see themselves the way others see them...they always see themselves as fat no matter how skinny they are. It just all goes downhill from there.

Answer 4

They have a distorted body image of themselves. All they see when they look at themselves is a fat person even if they are super skinny. Also is having control over yourself when you feel like you don't have control in other aspects of your life.

Answer 5

They feel they are FAT and want both boys and girls to see them thin

Answer 6

they are trying o look better than someone else...or they think therir fat compare to every one else

Answer 7

PEER PRESSURE