1. Thin body ideal for females
2. Muscular body ideal for males

Types of media exposure

Exposure to media has been shown to impact children and adolescents’ body image, prompting young people to attempt to control their weight by dieting. 

Media’s impact on body dissatisfaction and disordered eating


Exposure to media can play a crucial role in the development of eating disorders in children and adolescents. Media can impact the perception of one’s weight, shape, size, and body image, which can lead to disordered eating behaviors and even eating disorders.

University of California, Berkeley

Media sources and social relationships that uphold the ideal body standard can have a profound impact on disordered eating behaviors, which can then lead to eating disorders.

Social Influence on Eating Disorders

Morris, A. M., & Katzman, D. K. (2003). The impact of the media on eating disorders in children and adolescents. Paediatrics & child health, 8(5), 287–289. https://doi.org/10.1093/pch/8.5.287

The impact of the media on eating disorders in children and adolescents

Citations for research on social influences on eating disorders

References for the influence of social pressures on eating disorders

Peer relationships can influence adolescent girls’ perceptions of themselves and their bodies, potentially leading to the development of disordered patterns of eating, or even diagnosable eating disorders. 

Influence of Peer Relations on Adolescent Girls

Media Influence on Eating Disorders in Young People

Pro-anorexia (shortened to pro-ana) and pro-bulimia (shortened to pro-mia) are terms that refer to content, typically online, that promote anorexia and bulimia. These types of content encourage harmful behaviors such as restricting and purging, and also deny the diagnosis of eating disorders. 

Pro-Ana and Pro-Mia

Athletes may be at a higher risk of developing eating disorders due to the relationship between athletic performance and nutrition/exercise. The culture around food intake and training in sports can cause disordered thoughts and behaviors around food, weight, and shape.

Eating Disorders in Athletes

* Definition
* Terms
* Emergence
* Risks
* Similarities with and differences from diet culture

Pro-Eating Disorder Content

Reference for Maltreated Ecophenotype

Maltreated ecophenotype is the genetic predisposition to develop eating disorders that are significantly induced by experiencing childhood maltreatment.

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