Social Pressure And Eating Disorders In Young Women

Living with an eating disorder can severely affect a young woman’s life, harming everything from her work to personal relationships. She might find herself constantly worried with thoughts of food and body weight. These obsessions may lead to behaviors like skipping meals and overexercising. 

The pressure to meet unrealistic body standards can be overwhelming and isolating, potentially making it challenging to seek help or even acknowledge the problem. However, support is available, and it's possible to overcome eating disorders. There are many resources and treatments that may help young women and others with eating disorders regain control of their lives, including online counseling and community support groups.

How common are eating disorders in young women?

The COVID-19 pandemic seems to have contributed to an increased prevalence of eating disorders. In March 2020, calls to the National Eating Disorder Association helpline reportedly rose by 75%. This increase may reflect the added stress and anxiety young people may experience during challenging times.

Eating disorders tend to occur most often among young women in their teens and early twenties. These conditions remain a serious concern that requires awareness, support, and effective treatment.

The types of eating disorders women can face

Women may encounter several types of eating disorders. Each has different signs and symptoms. Here are the most common ones:

• Anorexia nervosa: This disorder typically involves extreme restriction of food intake. Women with anorexia may see themselves as overweight even if they are dangerously thin. They often weigh themselves repeatedly and eat small quantities of only certain foods.
• Bulimia nervosa: Women with bulimia nervosa may go through episodes of eating large amounts of food, followed by behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, excessive use of laxatives, or extreme exercise. Unlike anorexia, these individuals usually maintain a normal weight.
• Binge eating disorder: This condition can be characterized by regular episodes of eating large quantities of food in a short period, often until uncomfortably full. Women with binge eating disorder do not typically engage in behaviors to prevent weight gain and may be overweight or obese.

Below are some less common but significant eating disorders:

• Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID): This disorder generally involves avoiding or restricting food based on its appearance, smell, taste, texture, or a past negative experience with it.
• Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED): This category normally includes disorders that don't fit the exact criteria for anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder, but are still serious.

The signs and symptoms of eating disorders in young women

Women with eating disorders may experience key indicators like significant changes in weight, restrictive eating patterns, and social withdrawal, among others.

Extreme changes in weight

Young women with eating disorders may experience frequent changes in weight, including extreme weight loss. For instance, those with anorexia nervosa often drop to dangerously low weights. In contrast, individuals with bulimia may have fluctuating weights due to cycles of binging and purging. Such changes can occur due to self-induced vomiting, overuse of laxatives, or misuse of diet pills. Those with binge eating disorder may gain weight.

Restrictive eating or avoidance of certain foods

One of the clearest signs of an eating disorder may be restrictive eating habits or the avoidance of specific foods. Girls with anorexia might severely limit their calorie intake and avoid high-fat or high-sugar foods. This behavior may include ritualistic habits, like cutting food into tiny pieces or chewing excessively. Restrictive practices can also mask themselves in trends like "clean eating."

Changes in menstrual cycle

Another sign of eating disorders in young women is changes in menstrual cycles. Excessive weight loss or severe malnutrition may lead to missed periods (amenorrhea) or irregular cycles. This can happen because an unhealthy body weight and poor nutrition may disrupt hormone levels. It may serve as a red flag that something is wrong with the body’s balance.

Withdrawal from social activities

Eating disorders often lead to withdrawal from social activities. Young women might avoid eating in public or skip events involving food to hide their disordered eating behaviors. They may become isolated, spending more time alone, which can worsen their condition. This shift might be due to shame or anxiety around food and social eating situations.

Mood swings or irritability

Mood swings and irritability can be common in those with eating disorders. Malnutrition can affect brain chemistry, often leading to heightened emotions, depression, and anxiety. The stress of hiding an eating disorder and the physical effects of inadequate nutrition may contribute to mood changes. Irritability may also develop from constant thoughts about food and body image.

Not all young women with eating disorders experience these symptoms. The severity and extent of eating disorders can vary by person. 

Cultural influences on weight gain and food intake

Cultural factors may shape how people view food and body weight. These influences can affect dietary habits and perceptions of body image, potentially leading to weight gain or restrictive eating patterns.

Societal beauty standards

Societal beauty standards often promote thinness as the ideal body type. This standard can lead people, especially young women, to develop harmful eating behaviors to achieve a slim figure. Media and advertisements may showcase extremely slim supermodels and celebrities, reinforcing the notion that being thin equates to beauty and success. However, beauty standards may lead to various mental health challenges, such as anxiety about body image and eating disorders.Influence of peer groups on eating behaviors

Friends can influence dietary choices and attitudes toward food. If a group values thinness, individuals within that group may be pressured to eat less or try excessive weight control behaviors. On the other hand, social gatherings often revolve around eating, which can encourage overeating. 

Cultural stigma around weight gain

Weight gain tends to carry a negative connotation in many cultures. Being overweight is sometimes associated with laziness or a lack of self-control, which can lead to a sense of shame and guilt. The fear of being judged may force people to try extreme diets or rigorous workout routines to avoid gaining weight. This stressful cycle can negatively affect both physical and mental health, sometimes exacerbating concerns like eating disorders and anxiety.

Family dynamics and attitudes toward food

Family traditions and celebrations often involve large meals, influencing how individuals view food portions and eating habits. In addition, parents who are overly concerned about their child's weight may inadvertently promote harmful eating patterns. Comments about weight and body shape may lead to a negative body image and disordered eating behaviors. 

Eating disorders in women with obsessive-compulsive disorder

Eating disorders may share a link with other mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Many women with OCD also experience eating disorders. Symptoms can overlap in some cases, which can make it difficult to differentiate between the two conditions. For example, obsessive thoughts about food, body weight, and body image, as well as compulsive behaviors related to eating habits, may be common in both disorders.

OCD in women may increase the likelihood of eating disorders like anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. The behaviors associated with OCD, such as repetitive counting or checking, can develop into food-related compulsions. These behaviors may involve strict food choices, mirroring patterns seen in eating disorders.

Both conditions often require treatment that manages these overlaps. Effective therapy often needs to target both the obsessions and the eating behaviors. This dual focus can help women manage their symptoms more effectively and lead more balanced lives.

Treatment options for anorexia, bulimia, and other eating disorders

When it comes to eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia, finding the right treatment can be vital.

Therapy options may include the following:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This type of therapy usually focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors related to eating. Enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-E) is specifically used for eating disorders and may use changes in behavior to adjust thinking patterns surrounding food. 
• Family-based therapy: This therapy can be especially useful for younger people with eating disorders as it involves family members in the treatment process. They generally work together to support the person struggling with an eating disorder.
• Nutritional counseling: A dietitian may help people with eating disorders develop a balanced eating plan and learn about proper nutrition. This may be helpful for restoring a positive relationship with food.

Medications may also be prescribed on a case-by-case basis for certain eating disorders or for co-existing conditions like depression or anxiety disorders. Never start, stop, or change any medications without first consulting your doctor.

Some young women may need a combination of these treatments, and it can be important to work closely with a healthcare provider to find the best approach.

Exercise, eating habits, and self-care practices for eating disorders

Balancing exercise with eating disorder treatment can be difficult. Physical activity often comes with benefits, like stress relief and improved mood, but it can also be triggering for those with eating disorders. Careful planning may prevent exercise from becoming an obsession. Professionals often recommend gentle activities like yoga or walking, but it can be important to listen to one's body and avoid pushing too hard.

Working with a dietitian can help individuals create a balanced eating plan. The goal is generally to establish regular eating habits that provide all necessary nutrients. Meals should be balanced, including proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

Self-care practices can also be key. These can include the following:

• Mindfulness and meditation
• Adequate sleep
• Journaling
• Leaning on support networks

When you take care of your mental and physical health, managing an eating disorder may become more achievable. 

Online support to address the fear of gaining weight

Fear of gaining weight, also known as obesophobia, can be overwhelming. Many young women struggle with this fear, and it can affect their daily lives and mental health. Online support may be helpful for those living with this form of anxiety. Various resources and platforms can offer help.

1. Therapist directories: Websites like the National Eating Disorders Association have resources to help you find a qualified therapist. 
2. Helplines: You can call specialized helplines, such as the National Alliance for Eating Disorders Helpline. These helplines are typically available on weekdays and provide immediate support.
3. Educational resources: Sites like Young Women’s Health offer guides and information about different eating disorders. Understanding more about your condition may help you take steps toward recovery.

Benefits of online therapy

Many people find online therapy beneficial for psychiatric disorders due to its flexibility and convenience. You can connect with a therapist who understands your needs without leaving your home. In addition, online therapy platforms like BetterHelp may give you access to more therapists, allowing you to find someone who fits your needs and preferences, no matter where you live.

A 2021 study looked at how effective a web-based therapy program is for people with eating disorders compared to those who had to wait to start treatment. After one year, around 60% of participants reported fewer eating disorder symptoms and less body dissatisfaction.