How come many girls are entirely satisfied with their figures, while so many others will never be content? The problem often goes much deeper than just having low self-esteem - there are numerous factors that can make you vulnerable to having an eating disorder at some time in your life.
Gender is definitely an influence in whether or not you'll tend to develop an eating disorder. Even though women still outnumber men, the number of young males diagnosed with eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia is rising at a distressing rate.
Age does matter: while eating disorders have been known to either occur or recur as late as middle age, the bulk of eating disorder sufferers are younger, in their teens or early twenties.
If someone near to you has an eating disorder, such as a close relative, your chances of following the same path increase. You might think such a situation would convince you of the dangers, but too often it can make such behavior seem perfectly acceptable instead.
An eating disorder can easily strike those with an obsessive compulsive disorder - it's just another way to exert control over their lives. Similarly, women who are depressed or anxious are more likely to have an eating disorder.
Some athletes and exercise fanatics are at risk of developing eating disorders under the pretense that it will enhance their performance.
And let's not forget the peer influences that shape the way we think about ourselves. Many body-wrecking eating disorders started with a parent or sibling half jokingly stating that the person in question needed to go on a diet.
To prevent yourself from developing or further involving yourself in an eating disorder lifestyle, youll want to take action if you fit any of these profiles. Discuss this issue with your physician and have him or her help you determine what would be considered a healthy weight and diet for your particular body type.
If those around you are criticizing you destructively, try building your confidence by socializing with people who don't criticize you unnecessarily.
Don't get caught up in the dream of looking like the anorexic cover girl on the latest fashion magazine. Even the most gorgeous models will acknowledge that they are grateful for the photo retouching software that makes their bodies look so perfect.