Dying To Be Thin Summary

The articles and documentary,” Dying to be thin” were very insightful and discussed the challenges of individuals with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. These eating disorders are dangerous and can be fatal. Not only are there physical affects, but mental affects take place as well. In the documentary, pressures to be thin and the “ideal” body weight were discussed amongst aspiring dancers and models. In was reported that three out of one hundred girls will develop eating disorders. The media plays a huge role in what the “ideal” body image is. This also puts pressures on individuals about what they should look like. Eating disorders are more common in females however, males suffer from it as well. The documentary
So many individuals suffer health complications or lose their life to this serious disorder. Many individuals with this disorder are described as “perfectionist” and having OCD. For many, it is about gaining some sense of control. One of the questions raised was: what are the stressors causing eating disorders? There is not a simple answer. Some may have suffered a trauma or are struggling with other internal issues with how they perceive themselves. Those who have eating disorders already had vulnerabilities that existed. In the documentary, high levels of anxiety were discussed and how starving the body decreases the serotonin levels that may reduce intense anxiety for some. No matter what the stressors or issues that the individual are facing, it is important to address the underlying causes and symptoms and eating behaviors simultaneously. Both articles by Serpell discussed studies done with young individuals with Anorexia and Bulimia. Both groups were asked to write two letters to their eating disorder; one from the view of a friend and one from the view of an