Recently, I was reading “The Evolution of Obesity” by Michael L. Power and Jay Schulkin. It got me thinking about obesity and eating disorders.

Eating disorders are becoming more and more common as the media begins to overwhelm the public. Magazines, television — even video games — portray women (and even men, on occasion) in a way that is “perfect.” But, by whose standards and when did “perfect” become so skinny?

Also, why is so much attention being given to eating disorders?

In “The Evolution of Obesity,” obesity is portrayed as an epidemic in the United States. A recent study showed that 71 percent of adolescents felt affected in some way by the media’s portrayal of people’s bodies.

I have been affected by the images of men that are shown by the media. The way men are portrayed versus the way women are portrayed is completely different. Women are shown as super skinny and that is supposed to be what is acceptable, while men are shown in extremely good shape.

Although they are portrayed differently, the effect is the same on adolescents and young adults.

Even as eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are becoming more common, so is obesity and it should be treated as such.

I have always been concerned with the ridiculous expectations society has of young men and women. Discovering how many people are affected by it is saddening.

Alec Randall, Turner

Copy the Story Link