{"id":18373,"date":"2021-11-09T16:34:31","date_gmt":"2021-11-09T05:34:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/?p=18373"},"modified":"2025-06-12T16:56:56","modified_gmt":"2025-06-12T06:56:56","slug":"bulimia-fuelled-by-social-media","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/bulimia-fuelled-by-social-media\/","title":{"rendered":"Bulimia: Fuelled by Social Media"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"custom_design\">\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-6 ai-optimize-introduction\">As you scroll through your Facebook or Instagram feed, how often do images of people with incredible bodies pop up?Chances are \u2013 you are confronted with images of people with thin frames or athletic physiques several times a day.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-7\">Admiring someone&#8217;s physique is perfectly acceptable. However, it can quickly become a cause of concern if you start comparing your body to theirs, taking drastic, unhealthy steps to achieve that &#8216;look&#8217;.<\/p>\n<div class=\"alignleft custom_margin\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium\" style=\"max-width: 560px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/eating-disorders-statistics.jpg\" alt=\"eating disorders statistics\" \/><\/div>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-8\">Over time, this may turn into an eating disorder, affecting your physical and mental health. Today, it seems that social-media fuelled eating disorders are becoming increasingly common.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-9\">This is why we think it\u2019s important to discuss this issue.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-10\">But before we do that, let\u2019s cover some statistics on eating disorders.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"ai-optimize-11\">Of people with eating disorders, 47% have\u00a0Binge Eating Disorder, 12% have\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/treatment-for-bulimia\/\">Bulimia Nervosa<\/a>, 3% have\u00a0Anorexia Nervosa\u00a0and 38% have\u00a0other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingdisorders.org.au\/eating-disorders-a-z\/eating-disorder-statistics-and-key-research\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">eating disorders\u00a0<\/a>(Paxton et.al., 2012).<\/li>\n<li class=\"ai-optimize-12\">Women and girls are more likely to experience all types of eating disorders than men and boys, with the exception of\u00a0Binge Eating Disorder\u00a0where there is almost equal prevalence (Hay, Girosi&amp; Mond, 2015).<\/li>\n<li class=\"ai-optimize-13\">Approximately 80-85% of individuals diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa are female and 15-20% of people with Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa are male (Hay, Mond, Buttner&amp; Darby, 2008).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-14\">It\u2019s important to recognise that males are also largely affected by this issue. According to the Eating Disorders Resource Catalogue2014, a quarter of those with anorexia are male and are at an increased risk of dying due to delayed diagnosis.<\/p>\n<div style=\"clear: both;\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-15\">In Australia, approximately one million people live with an eating disorder every year \u2013 that\u2019s 4% of the population. And around 15% of women will experience an eating disorder at some point in their life.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-16\">Clearly, this is a huge issue.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-17\">According to a study by Flinders University and the University of Western Australia, the more social media sites a teenager uses \u2013 and the more time spent on them, the more likely they are to suffer from disordered eating. Although this study focussed on year 7 and 8 students, this likely extends to the adult population.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"ai-optimize-18\">How Dangerous are Eating Disorders?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-19\">According to the Eating Disorders Coalition, 2016, a person dies every hour due to an eating disorder.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-20\">Eating disorders increase the risk of premature death due to medical complications and are also linked to an increased rate of suicide.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-21\">Smink et al., (2012)found that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any other mental illness.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-22\">So, eating disorders, left unaddressed, can be extremely dangerous.<\/p>\n<div class=\"alignright custom_margin\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium\" style=\"max-width: 560px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/social-media-and-eating-disorders.jpg\" alt=\"social media and eating disorders\" \/><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"ai-optimize-23\">Social Media &amp; Eating Disorders<\/h3>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-24\">As we mentioned earlier, social media can contribute to an unhealthy relationship with food and eating disorders.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-25\">Social media can affect your thoughts, perceptions and make unhealthy fads seem \u201cnormal. There are thousands of accounts on Instagram, Facebook and other social media channels that advocate for healthy diets and active lifestyles.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-26\">This isn\u2019t the problem.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-27\">The issue is when these pages promote images of unrealistic and unattainable bodies along with unsustainable diets. An issue also arises when value is constantly placed on attractiveness.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-28\">In Western Society, attractiveness and \u2018being skinny\u2019 has long been aspired to. Take Barbie, for example; for years this doll was portrayed as having the ideal body type. In 2013, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/news\/article-2308658\/How-Barbies-body-size-look-real-life-Walking-fours-missing-half-liver-inches-intestine.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Daily Mail<\/a> revealed that if she were a real person, she would not even be able to carry herself around due to her disproportionate body. What sort of message was this doll sending to our children? With advanced technology and the rise of social media, Barbie has now been replaced with thousands of Instagram images instead.<\/p>\n<div style=\"clear: both;\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-29\">As consumers, we need to stop comparing ourselves to these unrealistic images. If weight loss is the goal, we need to take a hard look at the reality of healthy dieting.\u00a0 We need to understand that many of these pictures we see on social media are either photo-shopped or the result of years and years of hard work (not a fad or extremely low-calorie diets). Additionally, some of these social media influencers may appear healthy, but may be far from it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-30\">According to a report (the result of an enquiry set up by the British Fashion Council), Dr. Adrienne Key, a psychiatrist said that bulimia is the most common disorder among models, estimating that about 20% to 40% of fashion models experience an eating disorder.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-31\">Comparing your body to these images may lead to the development of physical and mental disorders.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"ai-optimize-32\">Fad Ads on Social Media<\/h3>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-33\">If we earned a dollar every time we saw an advertisement or promotion claiming that a fad diet or weight loss machine could get you that desirable waist or rock-hard abs, let\u2019s just say we\u2019d be very rich.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-34\">Many ads claim to provide superficial solutions to non-existent problems, aggravating the already serious matter of body image insecurity.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-35\">Social media advertisements are extremely clever these days. With our reduced attention spans, advertisers have to get your attention quickly!<\/p>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-36\">This is why images of incredible and often unattainable bodies are used. They stop the scroll! They get your attention first, then they sell you on the product or program.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"ai-optimize-37\">Celebrities and Eating Disorders<\/h3>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-38\">It\u2019s important to understand that body image concerns and eating disorders are not purely a result of the social media age. Many celebrated personalities have dealt with all sorts of eating disorders in the past, from anorexia to to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/binge-eating-help\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">binge eating<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-39\">In 1994, Princess Diana of Wales publicly spoke of her issues with bulimia. She was a great role model in that she encouraged those who were suffering to seek professional help and support. This moved many people to speak up about their own struggles and experience with disordered eating.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-40\">Lady Gaga is another celebrated personality who has dealt with anorexia and bulimia since she was 15. The renowned pop singer opened up about her fight against bulimia in 2012. Her \u2018Born This Way Foundation\u2019 provides resources to help people deal with eating disorders, addiction and other such issues.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-41\">As we can see, eating disorders can affect anyone and everyone, especially when we\u2019re constantly refreshing our feeds, and being exposed to content that doesn\u2019t always make us feel good about ourselves.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-42\">Here\u2019s a checklist on how you can protect yourself online.<\/p>\n<div class=\"alignleft custom_margin\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium\" style=\"max-width: 600px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/advice-how-to-protect-yourself-online.jpg\" alt=\"advise how to protect yourself online\" \/><\/div>\n<h4 class=\"ai-optimize-43\"><strong>1. Do a social media cleanse<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-44\">Take some time to check out who you\u2019re following on the social media platforms that you use regularly. Make a conscious effort to unfollow channels that make you feel uncomfortable about your body and those that make you feel any less than the amazing person you are. The lesser you engage with such profiles, the better you\u2019ll be able to protect your mental health.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"ai-optimize-45\"><strong>2. Check and verify credentials of social media fitness influencers<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-46\">While the online world has become a huge space for talented creators, it has also become increasingly easy for anyone and everyone to pose as a fitness or weight loss <em>guru<\/em>, giving advice on how to lose weight and get fit. But, unfortunately, some of these influencers may not have the adequate knowledge to be providing diet or fitness plans and tips. Sure \u2013 their method may have helped them, but there\u2019s a chance it may not work for you, or worse -it could negatively impact your health.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"ai-optimize-47\"><strong>3. Seek information only from credible sources<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-48\">Instead of looking for meal plans on Instagram or Google &#8211; reach out to a certified nutritionist. Often, online algorithms track your activity and will show you ads pertaining to your online searches. So, the more you look for fitness-related content and diets, the more likely you are to get ads from accounts promoting these things. Depending on how good their marketing is \u2013 you may feel compelled to click on that ad, and before you know it, you\u2019ve forked out for that fad diet or course.<\/p>\n<div style=\"clear: both;\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-49\">So always reach out to a certified, credible professional for help when you need it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-50\">It\u2019s important to remember that living with an eating disorder is not easy. It can affect your mental health and physical wellbeing in more ways than you may know. So, if you or someone you know is dealing with an eating disorder, remember that there is help available.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ai-optimize-51\">Feel free to speak to one of our professional therapists for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/treatment-for-bulimia\/\">eating disorder treatment<\/a>. You can link up through a confidential and secure video conferencing session &#8211; anywhere in Australia. Professional help is just a click away. All you need to do is reach out.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As you scroll through your Facebook or Instagram feed, how often do images of people with incredible bodies pop up?Chances are \u2013 you are confronted with images of people with thin frames or athletic physiques several times a day. Admiring someone&#8217;s physique is perfectly acceptable. However, it can quickly become a cause of concern if &#8230; <a title=\"Bulimia: Fuelled by Social Media\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/bulimia-fuelled-by-social-media\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Bulimia: Fuelled by Social Media\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[148],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18373","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-eating-disorder"],"acf":{"default_cover":"","header_text":"","meta_title":"","meta_description":"","meta_keywords":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18373","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18373"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18373\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18373"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18373"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18373"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}