Prospective from Both Ends of the Weight Spectrum

Prospective From Both Ends of the Weight Spectrum

Robin Clary

Com/155

May 26, 2013

Thinh Nguyen

Prospective from Both Ends of the Weight Spectrum

In the United States, while women and girls of all ages, have become heavier, the ideal body image for them impossibly thin (Grabe & Hyde, Zode; Sypeck, Grey& Ahrens, 2004). Realistically, mass media, such as magazines, social networking sites, television, movies, and music are some of the sources that contribute to the idea that fat is unattractive and disgusting. Also that if you gain weight it is a sign of at least four of the Seven Deadly Sins; gluttony, extravagance, greed, sloth, and occasionally pride (ceg. Research by Fouts& Burggraf, 2000 and Klein & Shiftman Zode). Obesity and anorexia nervosa are psychological disorders generated by an individual’s relationship with food, causing health risks, including death; resulting in dissimilar treatment and recovery approaches.

Both obesity and anorexia nervosa are also eating disorders, and can be brought on by a traumatic event in one’s life, an unconscious, psychological cry for help, or the tremendous need to have control of something when one feels they have no control over other aspects of their lives. These disorders could also be caused by a push from the bombarding of media. Socially, in order to be attractive or “hot” females have to be wafer thin and males have to be thin and muscular. In advertisements for cars, alcohol, and colognes, the models are thin, attractive men and women; it seems this is true even in ads for dish soap! Americans have the option to upgrade and “Supersize” food portions. There is also the choice to buy processed, ready-to-eat, or quick to make packaged foods. These types of foods are full of fat, calories and sodium, but are fast and, easy for the rushed type of society Americans live in today. On the other hand advertisements portray the ability to lose weight fast by promoting pills, exercise...