How Society Has An Effect On How We See Ourselves | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

How Society Has An Effect On How We See Ourselves

There has been a rise in anorexia in women between the ages of 15 and 19 every decade since the 1930s.

31
How Society Has An Effect On How We See Ourselves
The Huffington Post

I wrote a similar article a while back. This is something I care deeply about, so I will keep writing about it.

I have a family-friend that had shared something with me on facebook, and I asked permission to use it in this article. She has an 11 year old daughter who is healthy and active. Yet she's wearing a ladies large in pant size.

Think about this for a second. A young girl who is PHYSICALLY ACTIVE is wearing a ladies large. Does that seem right to you? I didn't think so.

The thing is, it seems like fashion designers are running the womens clothes smaller and smaller as well as making it more expensive to get into the plus sizes. But wait a second. If these clothes are running smaller and smaller, then a normal and healthy size would eventually be considered a "plus" size? Makes absolutely no sense.

According to nationaleatingdisorders.org:

New cases of eating disorders have increased (and continue to increase) since the 1950s.

There has been a rise in anorexia in women between the ages of 15 and 19 every decade since the 1930s.

Cases of bullimia between 10 and 39 year olds has TRIPLED between 1988 and 1993.

So what has caused eating disorder stats to rise? I'll give you a few ideas.

1. Fashion designers. As I previously mentioned, clothing stores and fashion designers are starting to run their clothes smaller and smaller. I'd be lying if I said I've never cried in the dressing room or snapped at my mom because of my size numbers. I'm not a big person. Maybe a little bit of a muffin top. I used to be a size 11. My weight hasn't really changed much and now I'm wearing a size 13. I used to be able to wear a Medium-Large shirt, but now I have to wear an XL.

2. The fact that the media is portraying unrealistic expectations for women. Sure, it seems like Taylor Swift and Kim Kardashian have the "perfect" body. However, chances are, 90% of the photographs you see are photoshopped in some sort of way.

3. Bullying. Yes, this also plays a factor. Kids can be so cruel. If you tell a girl (or boy) that she/he is fat, or make derogatory remarks about her/his weight, she/he will think she/he isn't good enough. She/He will start exercising and start eating less and less or binge eat just to throw it all up later.

Eating disorders are not as common in males, but they do happen.

Eating disorders are one of the physical and psychological diseases that aren't recognized. Just like mental illnesses. Actually, an eating disorder is a mental illness. People can die from an eating disorder.

So to the fashion designers and the media: start making sizes more accurate. Stop running them smaller and stop making the plus sizes more expensive.

To the bullies: You're obviously insecure with your own self, so that's something you need to work on. Stop making other people feel bad about themselves to satisfy your ego. There's better things to do with your time.

We need to educate our children more thoroughly about how serious eating disorders are. We also need to lift each other up and make each other feel good instead of putting each other down.

If you're reading this and you're struggling with how you see yourself and your body image. Then stop. Look in the mirror and tell yourself you are beautiful. Because you are. A number doesn't define you or who you are. Don't let that number define who you are. You are so much more than a size on a piece of clothing that will run out of style in the next few years. You want that cheeseburger? Eat it. You want a chocolate milkshake? Drink it. Live a life where you'll look back in 20 some years and say "Damn, I had a lot of fun." If you live your life struggling with yourself, you'll look back on it and you will regret it. People love you just for who you are. If they don't, then there's something wrong with them. Not you.

They don't know your worth, and they don't deserve you. I promise you, if you're reading this, and you feel better, than I know that I accompolished my goal. I don't know you but I already think you're absolutely perfect. Nothing in the world can change that.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

184270
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

10733
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

454925
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

24750
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments