The change of the image of women in the modern world and eating disorders

Abstract

The image of women and canons of beauty with time have been subject to a constant change. The aim of this study was to discuss the changing image of the fair sex in the modern world and to show the impact of the socio-cultural factors in the process of body image's formation and development, which may contribute to the development of eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, orthorexia. Eating disorders occur mainly in the developing countries where social pressure on the cult of the body can be observed. In the contemporary culture the interaction of two parallel models can be mentioned: on the one hand, a strong emphasis on a healthy lifestyle and care for a slim figure, on the other hand, the multitude of food, which encourages over-consumption. These two contradictory messages require the modern woman to use the available goods, which may contribute to the improvement of well-being, while increasing self-control over how much and what to eat. Meeting these needs is extremely difficult, because often people, who want to reach the ideal figure created by the media, decide to change their diet, which may adversely affect both the health and the perception of one's own body.. Body image disturbance may be regarded as a characteristic feature for people with eating disorders. There is therefore a continuing need to monitor this trend in popular culture and society.

Orthorexic Tendency in Polish Students: Exploring Association with Dietary Patterns, Body Satisfaction and Weight

“…The majority of obese people were dissatisfied with their ‘Bottom body & weight’, which may result from excess of body fat deposited especially in the lower body parts, as well as excessive body weight. The overweight or obese individuals may experience strong stigma and discrimination due to weight and size of their body, leading them to focus increasingly and obsessively on dieting for weight loss and body dissatisfaction [64]. Low body satisfaction may lead to development of an ED, as well as to sadness, low self-esteem and depression [49].…”