Glamorizing thin teen girls wearing makeup and posing suggestively in ads promotes unhealthy bodies and unhealthy attitudes, says a U.S. expert.
The age of diagnosis for several types of eating disorders has gotten younger, as I’m now treating girls ages 7 to 9, versus 13 to 14 years old being the youngest diagnosis several years ago, says Dr. Stephanie Setliff, a University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center psychologist who specializes in eating disorders.
Messages being sent to girls and young teens by the media and popularized by ultra-thin movie stars and models contribute to the pressure these girls feel to be perfect.
However, genetic and biological components also factor into the situation, as well as these children’s personality characteristics and temperament, and how they and their families resolve conflicts in their lives, according to Setliff.
Setliff suggests that parents be alert to any indication that their child may be developing an eating disorder. Signs may include an obsession with food and/or exercise; wearing clothing that disguises the body; spending less time with friends; frequent trips to the bathroom — especially after meals; dieting; and changes in sleep patterns.
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