Does the media play a role in eating disorders?

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Category: Culture and Media

ED_Bites ran a thoughtful post on the effect eating disorders may have on people with eating disorders.

I agree with Carrie that the media does not cause eating disorders. However, the media does play a role in supporting eating disorders by displaying impossible bodies as if they were normal and easy to maintain in a healthy way.

The lap band advertisements are worrisome as well. Here in Los Angeles we have billboards as well as radio and I think TV ads touting the simplicity and speed of lap band procedures to instantly remove pounds and unhappiness.

These procedures are advertised as if they were a convenient and simple way to bring freedome and happiness. I can appreciate someone wanting that promise to be true. But a quick fix doesn't touch on the underlying reasons for the weight. It just strips a person of defenses leaving her more vulnerable.

Deep psychological work is usually required for long lasting freedom.

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Free Los Angeles Community Program on holiday stress and problem eating issues, Dec. 8, 2009.

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