IndexIntroductionThe impact of the fashion industry on anorexiaAnorexia in the world of celebritiesMagazines and advertisements on weight lossContributions from expertsThe rise of orthorexia and thinnessChallenges and Potential Remedies Alarming Statistics Conclusion Works Cited Introduction The misconception that anorexia is a matter of choice is widespread, but recent research suggests a different story, one that may surprise you. Emerging studies point to the fashion industry and various media as the main culprits. Are these results credible? What drives these notions? This essay will delve into these questions, evaluate the validity of these claims, and leave you pondering the legitimacy of this hidden truth. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The impact of the fashion industry on anorexia In a world where young people are increasingly tied to their screens, it is no wonder that their perception of what is acceptable in society can be distorted . The pressure to achieve perfection can have destructive consequences. The media, in its various forms – television, the Internet and magazines – extensively permeate our lives. Statistics indicate that over eighty percent of people watch television every day, averaging approximately three hours per day (Lyons, 2017, para. 16). Many television programs and advertisements portray women with unrealistic, almost doll-like figures, objectifying them in the process (Lyons, 2017, para 16). Models featured in beauty magazines and advertisements are often so heavily retouched that their images are detached from reality. Incredibly, the National Eating Disorders Association revealed that 20% of television advertisements convey the message that being extremely thin is more attractive than maintaining a normal weight. The average American teenager is exposed to at least five thousand such commercials every year (Lyons, 2017, para 16). It is not surprising, therefore, that there is a correlation between destructive eating behaviors and decreased self-esteem. This generation is trapped in an invented reality that fuels the mistaken belief that girls must become excessively thin to be considered attractive. Anorexia in the world of celebrities What drives models and actresses to maintain such refractory figures? It is surprising that the industry's entry The requirement is a BMI of 16, a figure considered dangerous by medical experts and leading to health problems and vitamin deficiencies. Damien Gayle points out that, according to the World Health Organization, guidelines state that individuals with a BMI of 18.5 or less are considered underweight, 18 qualifies as malnourished, and 17 indicates severe malnutrition. This raises the question: why is Hollywood and popular culture so fixated on the idea of ​​the perfect body and appearance? For many aspiring to work in these fields, eating disorders and hunger may seem like the only path to a successful career. The research even reveals that around sixty percent of models felt the need to lose weight, while fifty percent risked being fired if they didn't lose weight. The prevalence of anorexia and bulimia among models is so pervasive that many celebrities have taken it upon themselves to raise awareness and share their perspectives publicly. Weight Loss Magazines and Ads It's hard to ignore the fact that models and characters on screen are becoming increasingly slimmer, while a substantial portion of American women are experiencing significant weight gain. Television is not the only source ofexposure to such ideals. Alarmingly, studies suggest that 83% of young women browse “fashion magazines” for an average of four hours a week. Even more concerning is the prevalence of weight loss ads in women's magazines. Spettigue notes that women's magazines contain ten times as many diet products as men's magazines. Another surprising study cited by Spettigue, conducted by Kilbourne in 1994, revealed that the primary aspiration of young women aged eleven to seventeen was "to lose weight and keep it off." Kilbourne's research further highlighted the significant emphasis placed on weight loss among young women, with a sizeable number saying they most wanted to change "their weight" when asked what they wanted to change in their lives. Expert Input It is undeniable that the prevailing body size standard is on a downward trend. Paradoxically, a significant portion of American women are experiencing weight gain. While the media may disavow any endorsement of anorexia, experts in the field of eating disorders, such as Kelly Brownell, vehemently disagree (Jade, 2012, para 9). Kelly Brownell, a doctor, provides compelling insights that shed light on the irony surrounding celebrities. Brownell says eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are more likely to develop due to the negative influence of the media. One intriguing observation he makes concerns a recent phenomenon associated with celebrities, commonly referred to as the “harm paradox.” This paradox revolves around the media promoting the ideal of a lean, perfect body while simultaneously advertising high-fat, high-calorie foods, enticing consumers to purchase these items (Jade, 2012, par 9). It is not at all surprising that actresses themselves do not consume these calorie-rich foods, as such indulgence is rare in the cutthroat world of Hollywood. The Rise of Orthorexia and Subtle Inspiration In addition to anorexia, another eating disorder that is gaining prominence, fueled by the media, is orthorexia. . This disorder is characterized by an obsessive fixation on healthy eating and an irrational fear of becoming overweight. Orthorexia can lead individuals to develop self-loathing, trust issues, malnutrition, and a sense of isolation. It is increasingly prevalent on “thinspiration sites,” websites that actively encourage eating disorders and advocate extreme behavior. These sites go so far as to advocate starvation techniques, advising people to suppress their appetite, chew ice, and brush their teeth frequently to eliminate the taste of food (Woolf, 2015, para 2). They even suggest sharing photos online of specific body parts, while providing tips on how to hide these behaviors from parents. It is disheartening that these websites promote secret purges and binges, where individuals consume excessive amounts of food and then induce vomiting. Hospitalizations for anorexia and orthorexia have increased dramatically in just a few years. According to the NHS, "the number of teenagers admitted to hospital with eating disorders has almost doubled in just three years", and social media bears a significant part of the blame. Challenges and Potential Remedies Efforts to establish boundaries have often proven ineffective. One proposed measure is to set a minimum BMI threshold for professional models. Another approach to promoting curvy models includes providing healthier meals and working conditions. However, implementing these measures is easier said than done. In the United States, fashion models are generally