Posted: September 1st, 2022

What are the causes of increasing anorexia rate in children and adults?

What are the causes of increasing anorexia rate in children and adults?
Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder in which the victim possesses a negative body image and therefore self-starves themselves due to the fear and obsession of gaining weight. Even slim people with anorexia think they weigh too much, which leads to individuals severely limiting the amount and type of food they eat. This results in continued weight loss and nutritional imbalance that can have serious health complications, including death.
According to statistics, cases of anorexia in children as young as six and young adults are on the rise, with rates having doubled in the last decade. More than 70 million people are living with different eating disorders globally, with anorexia having the highest prevalence. In the UK, more than 1.25 million people have been impacted directly by anorexia. According to study records, hospital admissions for people with anorexia have increased significantly, with an average of 7% each year. This can be associated with increased awareness concerning eating disorders and their risks, and therefore, more people are seeking the help they need.
Anorexia mostly affects teenage girls and women in their early 20s. But in the past decade, it has become more common in boys and young children as young as six years. But what are some of the major triggering factors causing the increasing cases of anorexia?
1. Ideal body shapes
In the millennial generation, super skinny body shapes are perceived as the epitome of beauty for women. In the quest to attain the “ideal” body shapes, children and adults begin to limit the amount and the type of food they take and, in the process, end up developing anorexia.
2. Social Media Influence
Social media has had a significant influence on the increasing rates of anorexia among children and adults. Different social media platforms allow people to share photos of themselves with many other people all over the world. This has created more pressure where people are trying to take the best pictures and achieve unrealistic bodies they see on social media. According to studies, people who spend more time on social media struggle with their body image.
3. Increased Academic and life Expectations
People who develop anorexia do not just want to look slim. Anorexia stems deep from other forms of insecurities, and individuals often develop anorexia as they attempt to restore control in various aspects of their life. Increased parental pressure for their children to perform better in school and live up to their expectations is a major cause of the increasing cases of anorexia in children and teenagers.
Researchers describe the increasing rates as “worrying.” Fortunately, with early diagnosis and timely intervention, full recovery is achievable. But issues relating to low self-esteem, academic pressure needs to be addressed by putting in place emotional support systems for children and young adults in schools.

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