Eating Disorders in Adolescent Females in the United States

By Eleni K
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Abstract 
Eating disorders in adolescents women is an issue in the United States which affects many younger girls. This paper views the impact and causes of eating disorders by the sociocultural, psychological, and environmental lenses. To provide a better view of this issue this article talks about how the fashion industry plays a role in the development of an eating disorder, how self esteem is related to eating disorders, and how parent association is important. As this is a recurring problem family and individual based therapy session were considered to be one of the most effective solution 

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Summary: 
Eating disorders in adolescents are often caused by the promotion of a body type which is not ideal and not achievable by most people. This body type is often promoted by the fashion industry by using models who are said to be in better shape for better sales on products. What it really does is create girls to want to follow the thin ideal being promoted. 

A cause and a common outcome of an eating disorder in an adolescent is low self esteem. With the thin ideal that is promoted girls become insecure of their body and their value of their body goes very low. Adolescents believe that their body is not good enough which causes them to want to lose weight which leads to an eating disorder. 

Adolescents who tend to have parents who are not as involved in their life have a higher chance for the development of an eating disorder. This is caused by lack of trust, no communication, and often a feeling of isolation. Patients with non involved parents can develop alexithymia which is the feeling that an individual can not express their feelings. Overall lack of parents association leads to the lack of being able to express feelings.  

As eating disorders in adolescent girls has been a problem over many years there still is not an effective way to solve this issue. It was found that Family and Individual based therapy sessions would be one of the most effective solutions. Two options are provided, family or individual to give the patient the most comfortable options. What this would do is give parents a better understanding, allow parents to be involved with the treatment, and knowing someone is capable of getting treatment on their own.