TW: This article contains information about eating disorders that may be triggering. Please read at your own discretion.
Eating disorders have taken over society, snatching dignity and confidence from people, especially young teenage girls. Eating disorders come in many forms, including binge eating, anorexia, and bulimia. 4 percent of teens suffer from eating disorders like binge eating, anorexia, and bulimia (purging). These disorders stem from various different factors like genetic, biological, physiological, societal, and emotional factors, play significant roles in the prevalence of eating disorders.
Eating disorders have severe and long-lasting physical impacts on teen girls. Anorexia, a certain type of disorder where one restricts themselves to a specific set of calories can lead to malnutrition, which can result in a variety of other health issues. Someone suffering from anorexia may resort to vomiting after eating or excessively working out in hopes of losing weight. Anorexia leads to symptoms like insomnia, dizziness, hair thinning, extreme weight loss, dehydration. Anorexia can also be identified by frequently skipping meals or making excuses not to eat. These effects leave a profound impact on a young girl's health and overall well-being.
Bulimia is another form of an anting disorder where one binge eats and then attempts to vomit or throw up the contents they ate in fear of weight gain. Someone who suffers from bulimia may eat abnormal amounts of food in one sitting, and then force themselves to exercise or vomit all the food out. They may feel a loss of control when they eat. Some physical effects of bulimia include mood swings, red eyes, and facial swelling.
Eating disorders not only affect the body, but they also take a significant toll on a teen girl's emotional well-being. When someone suffers from eating disorders they are in constant dissatisfaction with their body and looks. They constantly feel self-conscious, which often leads to shame, anxiety, and depression.
Eating disorders also have a profound impact on a teenage girl's social life. They may shy away from social gatherings, or simply feel “ugly” in anything they wear. This may result in strained relationships with family and friends as they will be preoccupied with food. Many girls also feel shameful of their eating disorders, isolating themselves from family and friends who can support themselves. This easily leads to feelings of loneliness.
Although it may seem hard at first, recovering from an eating disorder is possible with the right help and support. By promoting body positivity, and understanding we can strive to create a world where teenage girls feel empowered to embrace themselves beyond physical appearance and learn to be confident in themselves.
Works Cited:
“Anorexia Nervosa.” Mayo Clinic, 20 Feb. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorexia-nervosa/symptoms-causes/syc-20353591.
“Bulimia nervosa.” Maya Clinic, 10 May. 2018,
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bulimia/symptoms-causes/syc-20353615.
What is Binge Eating, and How Does it Affect the Body? (n.d.). https://withinhealth.com/learn/articles/what-is-binge-eating-and-how-does-it-affect-the-body
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.