Throughout history, body image has been influenced by politics and media which has led to increased body dissatisfaction and disordered eating among both men and women. Eating disorders affect 70 million people worldwide, especially women aged 12-25, though over 1 million men also struggle with eating disorders. There are many contributing factors like unrealistic expectations, a need for control, depression, or life crises. Without treatment, up to 20% of people with eating disorders will die, while treatment is partially or fully successful in 60-80% of cases depending on the individual. The project aims to create awareness of the link between media exposure and negative body image/disordered eating, especially among those aged 10-25 who are most commonly affected.

1. Part oneWays of Looking

2. Throughout history, body image has been determined by various factors including politics and media. Current exposure to mass media is so powerful and influential, it is leading to increased body dissatisfaction among both men and women, which in turn can lead disordered eating.While our nations health continues to reach a point of crisis, adults and children are becoming increasingly overweight and meeting the criteria for obesity. Meanwhile, rates in eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are rising and patients are being referred progressively younger.

3. We are constantly bombarded with the message that you have to be thin to be desirable. The media portrays happy, successful and feminine women as always being thin.

5. Who is affected?Eating Disorders affect 70million individuals worldwide.90% of those who have eating disorders are women between the ages of 12 and 25.While women are more commonly affected, more than a million men and boys battle the illness every day.One in three hospital admissions for eating disorders involves a child.The prevalence of eating disorders has increased in the last 30-40years

6. There is no single cause for eating disorders. Although concerns about weight and body shape play a role in all eating disorders, the actual cause of these disorders appear to result from various factors

7. Contributing FactorsSetting unrealistic expectations, always striving to be perfect

8. Feeling the need to gain control

9. Those who have difficulty expressing needs or feelings

10. Feeling worthlessness at not being able to match up to family expectations