The impact of the media on eating disorders in children and adolescents

Epidemiological studies have suggested that the incidence of eating disorders among adolescent girls has increased over the last 50 years. The reported prevalence rate for anorexia nervosa is 0.48% among girls 15 to 19 years old. Approximately 1% to 5% of adolescent girls meet the criteria for bulimia nervosa (1). Today, more than ever, adolescents are prone to concerns about their weight, shape, size and body image, and as a result, diet to lose weight (2–5). Little is known about how these body imageand weight-related concerns arise. These behaviours have been suggested as possible risk factors for the development of eating disorders. Many researchers have hypothesized that the media may play a central role in creating and intensifying the phenomenon of body dissatisfaction and consequently, may be partly responsible for the increase in the prevalence of eating disorders.