These cultural ideals have become thinner for females and more muscular for males over time. This can lead to body dissatisfaction and a preoccupation with food and body image in adolescents. 

Intensification of cultural ideals

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

University of California, Berkeley

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.

Media Influence on Eating Disorders in Young People

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

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. 

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