Influence of social media on eating disorders

The spread of the harmful message that “thinner is better” through social media can influence the development of eating disorders. It is possible that Photoshop, filters, and the curation of social media images and posts promote unrealistic ideals which may then inspire people to aspire to them. This is why I would be letting you know the impacts and influence of social media on eating disorders.

Mabe et al. The study, titled ‘Do you like my photo?‘ Was conducted in 2014. Aims to discover the role social media plays in eating disorders and the influence they have. Researchers found that people with disordered eating were more likely to use social media sites, such as Facebook. When compared with other websites, social media was associated with the maintenance of weight or body image concerns and an increase in anxiety levels among users.

The influence of social media on eating disorders is alarming and there is no doubt that social media is a part of everyday life. People who suffer from eating disorders or who are at risk can be adversely affected by them.

To reduce the risks associated with social media, offer these tips to those who use it:

• To use social media effectively, users need to understand the nature of the platform. They need to view perfectly composed, yet edited images for what they are, not what they are meant to be.

• In order to make sure you receive the most accurate information, you should be aware that the content you see may have been carefully selected to convey a particular message or image. It is common for social media users to portray very different lives from those they live in reality.

• Please be careful who you follow on social media. Following accounts related to food and fitness can be inspiring and helpful. Please ensure you subscribe to pages that promote positive information and make you feel positive about who you are.

• If you follow accounts that aren’t helpful for your mental or physical health, unfollow them without fear.

Complications

The consequences of eating disorders can be devastating to a person’s physical health, mental health, well-being, as well as their relationships. It is critical to take these conditions seriously since they can be life-threatening. Watch the video below for an overview of possible complications of eating disorders as explained by Kelty Eating Disorders.

Taking into account the overview provided by Kelty Eating disorders, the following list describes possible health complications associated with eating disorders.

Complications that may possibly occur

Eating disorders can have the following physical health complications:

• Complications of the cardiovascular system:

  • Failure of the heart

  • A condition in which the heart beats irregularly, leading to death

• Complications of the gastrointestinal system:

  • The condition of gastroparesis which is characterized by slow digestion

  • The intestines are blocked by solid food masses that have not been digested

  • Acute infections

  • Insufficient nutrition for an extended period of time can weaken the muscle cells in the intestines, and laxative abuse damages nerve endings in the intestines.

  • In the event of binge eating, the stomach can rupture, causing life-threatening circumstances

  • There is a possibility of the food pipe rupturing due to vomiting

• Complications related to the brain:

  • Having difficulty concentrating

  • Having trouble sleeping (insomnia)

  • A feeling of numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

  • The incidence of seizures

  • Cramping of the muscles

  • A feeling of faintness or dizziness

• Complications caused by hormones:

  • Osteoporosis results in the deterioration of bones. Bones are more likely to break when they are subjected to low levels of force

  • An inadequate thyroid hormone level

  • Changes in menstruation or ceasing of menstruation

  • When you binge eat, your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes increases

  • The effects of hypothermia and low temperatures

• Aside from these complications, there are also:

  • Having an anemia

  • Skin conditions and hair loss as a result of by dryness

  • It is possible to fail your kidneys due to dehydration

  • It is possible to contract infections more easily if you are malnourished