Published via DMIHER Center for Advanced

Open Access Review Article Physiotherapy Education & Research

Social Media Effects Regarding Eating Disorders

and Body Image in Young Adolescents
Received 08/20/2023
Khushi Suhag 1, Shyambabu Rauniyar 2
Review began 10/25/2023
Review ended 04/14/2024 1. Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
Published 04/21/2024
2. Anatomy, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
© Copyright 2024
Suhag et al. This is an open access article
Corresponding author: Khushi Suhag, [email protected]
distributed under the terms of the Creative
Commons Attribution License CC-BY 4.0.,
which permits unrestricted use, distribution,
and reproduction in any medium, provided
the original author and source are credited. Abstract
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58674
The following study investigates how eating problems and young people's body image are affected by social
media. As social media becomes more pervasive, young teenagers are exposed to many pictures, messages,
and influencers encouraging unachievable body and beauty ideals. The study investigates the link between
social media usage and the development of binge eating disorder patterns and undesirable body image
judgments. It also sheds light on the influence that so-called social media influencers and celebrities have
on encouraging disordered eating patterns and forming negative body image perceptions. On websites like
Instagram and TikTok, exposure to deliberately selected photographs of "ideal" body types encourages body
dissatisfaction and poor self-worth. The research emphasizes social media's possible harm to this vulnerable
group's physical and mental health by examining pertinent literature and empirical evidence. It also looks at
potential safeguards and methods for fostering good mental and physical health in early adolescents during
pervasive social networking site use. Promoting fad diets, weight-loss aids, and the exaltation of extreme
thinness aids in the normalization of harmful behaviours. Social media's negative consequences on eating
disorders and body image in young teenagers are highlighted by this study in its conclusion. As a critical
developmental stage, early adolescence is vulnerable due to the effect of social media, which could
normalize unhealthy behaviours and maintain negative body image and insecurities. The findings
underscore the need for targeted interventions and educational programs to mitigate the adverse effects of
eating problems and young people's body image in light of social media.

Categories: Psychology, Nutrition, Therapeutics

Keywords: consuming, body dysmorphia, twitter, social network, tiktok, instagram, social, facebook, online, internet

Introduction And Background

Teenager's usage of social media and the Internet is snowballing, making eating disorders more likely to
develop and persist by introducing new dynamics and risks [1]. While eating disorders were once
predominantly associated with Western societies, the emergence of reports detailing cases of eating
disorders in non-Western cultures has expanded the perception of these disorders as a global issue [2]. The
prevalence of eating disorders among adolescents has garnered increasing attention in recent years,
coinciding with the rise in social media usage among this demographic. Adolescents, particularly those in
the age range of 13-18, are among the heaviest users of social media platforms, with platforms like
Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat serving as prominent avenues for social interaction and self-expression.

It is becoming more popular to research the psychological impact of utilizing and using social networking
sites (SNS). SNS utilization has been connected to both good and bad outcomes so far. SNS usage has been
connected to increased loneliness and enhanced social connectedness and well-being. The term "body
image" refers to an individual's opinions, sentiments, and ideas on their looks. When a person has negative
body perceptions and perceives a disconnect between their actual and ideal bodies, it is said that they are
experiencing body dissatisfaction. This shift in awareness can be attributed, in part, to the influence of mass
media in shaping body image perceptions. Traditional mass media has traditionally portrayed the "ideal"
body type, incorporating television and publications for women's fashion. According to research, these
images generally showcase gorgeous, heavily photo-shopped ladies who are frequently young and tall, with
modest breasts, and who are incredibly slim. Numerous correlational and experimental research studies have
been conducted to support the connection between media exposure, food addictions, and body
dissatisfaction in young people, especially females. Among the most commonly accepted theories that have
been tried to explain how media operates and influences diet and perceptions of one's physique are the
sociocultural and objectification theories [3].

Despite the ongoing widespread use of conventional media, other "new" media, most notably the Internet,
are being utilized increasingly often. According to the Internet Growth Statistics (2014), the amount of time
spent online has increased by almost 50% per year since 1990; according to estimates from July 2014, 40% of
the world's population used the Internet. Additionally, undergraduate women prefer image-focused websites
over fashion publications at the moment. Examples of these websites include fashion/beauty and
entertainment/celebrity websites. According to a recent study, many websites promote stereotypical notions

How to cite this article

Suhag K, Rauniyar S (April 21, 2024) Social Media Effects Regarding Eating Disorders and Body Image in Young Adolescents. Cureus 16(4):
e58674. DOI 10.7759/cureus.58674
 Published via DMIHER Center for Advanced
Physiotherapy Education & Research

of feminine elegance, just like in the mainstream media. For instance, a study was conducted by Slater,
Tiggemann, Hawkins, and Werchon (2011) on content analysis of commercials on websites targeted at
teenagers and discovered that most of the figures in the advertisements were female, young, slender, and
pretty. According to a study of high school females, Internet use was also connected to increased
internalization of the slim ideal, comparison of appearances, unhappiness with one's weight, and a desire for
thinness. Similarly, it was discovered that young ladies who utilize the Internet have a higher risk of
developing eating problems [3]. Body image research goes past the thin ideal, even if being unhappy with
one's physique can be connected to a range of body components (such as skin tone, eye shape, and breast
size) [4].

Everywhere, social media use is pervasive and growing swiftly. The most popular social networking platform
is Facebook, which has over 1.3 billion regular users. Compared to males, young women are more likely to
use social media, and this group also experiences body dissatisfaction more frequently than boys. The social
comparison theory contends that people must evaluate their development and standing in various spheres.
People evaluate their standing by comparing themselves to others without objective standards, and a greater
predisposition to do so is associated with significant body dissatisfaction. Most experimental research says
that the impact of social comparisons based on looks and body image focused on how body dissatisfaction
affects young females is impacted by exposure to idealized bodies in traditional media like publications,
broadcast media, and music videos. The results of this study show that women and girls exposed to the
slender ideal have more negative body images. More recent surveys indicate that the attractiveness of
traditional media types, particularly among teens, is diminishing due to increased accessibility to and
popularity of interactive media, including the Internet. Exposure to optimal thin media, such as magazines,
affects body dissatisfaction and mood [5].

Teenage females are at an alarmingly high risk of developing eating problems, which have been linked to
severe emotional anguish and medical issues. Compared to boys, girls are three times more likely to exhibit
an eating disorder by the age of 15 years. Literature reveals that due to the developmental changes brought
on by puberty, as well as cultural and societal pressures, body image is a problem for people throughout
their entire lifespan. However, it is most prevalent in adolescents [6]. The American Psychiatric Association
claims that subclinical levels of having an eating disorder affect up to 10% of adolescent females. Equal to
adult populations, adolescents also experience anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa at similar rates. As a
result, researchers have worked extremely hard over the past few years to identify, quantify, and assess the
formative factors that can trigger the start of such disruptions [7].

Researchers have worked incredibly hard over the past few years to discover, quantify, and evaluate the
formative elements that can start such disruptions. It is feasible to hypothesize an increase in eating
disorders and body image problems because of this overemphasis on physical attractiveness online possibly
even more so than offline. The presence of Internet communities like Reddit and Quora is, last but not least,
supporting radical methods of weight loss and management, such as websites and Internet resources that
promote eating disorders and perhaps encourage the formation or maintenance of eating disorders and
problems with body image. In conclusion, there are a variety of ways that social media and Internet use may
affect problems with food and body image [8]. It is imperative to conduct extensive research on the link
between eating disorders and social media to fully grasp the intricate relationship between media exposure,
body image perceptions, and mental health. This research is critical in developing evidence-based strategies
to promote healthy behaviours and mitigate the harmful effects of social media on vulnerable populations.

Additionally, several circumstances make discussing the connection between the Internet and problems
with food and one's body particularly important among teens and newly minted adults. This is the most
active age group in terms of social media use. Second, many significant developmental difficulties during
adolescence may be found on the Internet, notably regarding social development and issues like identity,
self-worth, peer connections, and health behaviours that are also crucial for food and body image issues. In
this way, it has been demonstrated that SNSs and the Internet significantly affect teenage relationships as a
crucial setting for adolescent identity formation. According to particular views, peers may also influence a
person's personality traits, physical characteristics, and behavioural tendencies, particularly throughout
adolescence [9]. Additionally, in line with the features of the Internet that were mentioned above that are
pertinent and devoted to the research concerning eating disorders and a person's body image, the Internet
has been conceptualized within developmental psychology as a type of media, both a cultural tool and a
means of communication. An excellent theoretical base supports a connection between worries about food
and juvenile body image and the Internet and social media use [8].

Review
Search methodology
Electronic databases like PubMed and Google Scholar, books, and grey literature were searched and used to
find relevant studies. The search was not time-limited because it was assumed that most research would be
current. The articles' reference lists were also searched for further possibly pertinent articles. The words
"Internet," "Online," "Facebook," "Social," "Instagram," "Tik-Tok," "Social Network," "Snapchat," "online
platforms," "internet communities," "online forums," and "Twitter" were used as key phrases. The terms

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"Body Dysmorphia," "Disordered eating," "Self-objectification," "Self- Surveillance," and "Social Comparison,"
"Binge Eating," "Binge Eating Disorder," "Social identity," "Anorexia," "Bulimia," and "Body Image" were also
used. Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) were utilized to combine the search terms effectively and refine the
search results. Epidemiology, links, effects, health problems, and treatments were all included in the
literature review. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow
diagram depicts the search methodology of the review article given in Figure 1.

FIGURE 1: PRISMA flow diagram for screening and selecting articles

related to social media effects regarding eating disorders and body
image
PRISMA: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

Epidemiology
Eating disorders are expensive, fatal, and debilitating mental conditions that severely impair psychosocial
functioning and physical health. Disturbed beliefs about eating disorders can result from thoughts about
food, weight, and body image. In the previous 50 years, there has been a correlation between variations in
the food environment and a rise in eating disorders. Every healthcare provider should routinely inquire
about the patients' eating routines to evaluate their general health. Anorexia nervosa, disorders of binge
eating, avoidant-restrictive food intake, bulimia nervosa, pica, and rumination disorder are among the
feeding and eating disorders that are currently recognized in diagnostic systems. For instance, eating
disorders may manifest differently in men and women because there is not enough research and analysis on
eating disorders; there is a lot of uncertainty about their origins, therapy, and management [10].

Nearly all eating disorders involve a focus on weight, body image, and eating that is excessive, which could
lead to dangerous eating patterns. These measures may significantly harm the body's ability to absorb
nutrients. Eating disorders can injure the mouth, bones, teeth, heart, and digestive system. They might
cause other diseases. They have also been linked to self-harm, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and actions,
depression, and feeling blue. With the proper care, one can re-establish healthy eating patterns and
cultivate healthier perspectives on food and the body. The person may also be able to mitigate or reverse the
severe consequences that the eating problem has caused. What precisely causes eating disorders is
uncertain. There may be several reasons, similar to other mental diseases. First is genetics: Some people's

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more significant risk of having eating problems may be influenced by genes. Second is biology: Changes in
brain chemistry and other biological variables, such as genetics, may have an impact on eating disorders
[11].

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), which manifests as a stressful or crippling fixation on an alleged or
inconsequential physical fault, typically manifests throughout adolescence. However, the clinical
characteristics of BDD in this age group (adolescents) have received microscopic study. BDD is a disorder
that is frequently very severe and that disrupts typical teenage development. Additionally, adolescents must
be confident in their favorable body image, which is related to sadness and anxiety. It might be the main
element impacting teens' general self-esteem and the fear of being poorly assessed by people in their age
group [12].

In contrast to earlier Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) versions, which put BDD
in the category of somatoform disorders, BDD is now classified in DSM-5 as the group of illnesses known as
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders. This change in how BDD is thought of aligns
with scientific research, which demonstrates that BDD and OCD are separate but closely linked mental
diseases that are frequently co-occurring [13]. BDD is a separate comorbid illness that affects nearly half of
eating disorder patients [14], and body image issues are closely correlated with BDD and a dangerous
element for the development and maintenance of eating disorders [15].

The link between social media, eating disorder, and body dysmorphia
The sociocultural media's impact on how people feel about their bodies and disordered consumption has
been the subject of research for more than 20 years [16]. It has been recognized that the media can affect
people with eating disorders. Compared to traditional media (like television), self-objectification
characteristics may be more strongly influenced by Internet media. The usage of various SNSs as sources of
knowledge and inspiration for notions of health and beauty has expanded. Users might be tempted to
evaluate their physical similarities to unattainable and unreasonable physical standards on these platforms.
SNS use has been linked to concerns about how eating disorders may develop or persist. Recent SNS trends,
like "fitspiration," which combines the words "fitness" and "inspiration," idealize intense pictures of people
with incredibly lean bodies.

In contrast, other SNS trends like "thinspiration" or "bone-spiration" highlight physical changes due to
particular eating disordered behaviours, like restricting one's diet and extreme weight loss. Two years later,
a prospective relationship between SNS usage and a rise in the urge due to thinness was discovered,
indicating a possible causative relationship between social media use and eating disorder cognitions. Studies
on specific groups have revealed that they struggle with inhibitory and executive control (impulse control),
comparable to individuals battling addictive behaviours [17].

Typical portrayals of beauty standards may be seen on several social media platforms. SNS development and
growth, including that of Facebook and Instagram, contribute to the spread of the thin-and-fit ideal.
Additionally, because social media is a tool that teenagers frequently use associated with worries about
individual liberty, monitoring one's behaviour, having obsessions, and using social media compulsively, it is
a factor that allows attention to one's appearance. It is also evident from having access to social media
features like facial filters and photo editing tools [18]. Personalized material, frequently less moderated,
more intense, and intended to keep users interested for longer durations, is made available to viewers
through algorithms, intensifying this relationship [19]. The lockdown has also impacted SNS usage, which
may be connected to a rise in eating disorders and the desire for thinness among teenagers and young
women [20].

Some people object to bodily changes from a network because of the media's criteria for beauty. Although
the physical changes that adolescents go through are common, some people nevertheless do not accept
these changes. Humans undergo physical changes during middle age, including the skin that shrinks and
becomes less firm, thins, and turns white, together with changes in body weight. The person's perception of
their body is always tied to physical changes. In implementing a beautiful concept, one declares that one's
interpretation of beauty will impact how people perceive and uphold normative standards. As a result, most
middle-aged adults and adolescents pay excessive attention to physical body alterations and strive to
maintain a desirable physique. According to study findings, BDD tends to more frequently impact young
individuals between the ages of 15 and 30 [18]. Spending more time online, especially in self-image- and
eating-related activities, was associated with less satisfaction with one's body image and unhealthy eating
habits [21].

Effects on adolescents
Self-esteem is a highly effective predictor of various human behavioural variables, including health and
well-being. According to several studies, women, in particular, are thought to find that self-perception and
self-esteem, overall mental health, and eating behaviour are all strongly correlated with one another. In this
way, having high self-esteem aids young people in making better psychological adjustments, facilitating
their socialization and serving as a protective factor against risky behaviour. As a mediating factor for eating

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disorders, self-esteem may be linked to how one constructs their body image, particularly throughout
adolescence. Low self-esteem frequently coexists with the psychopathologies of eating disorders because
eating disorder symptoms worsen low self-esteem, creating a vicious cycle of maintenance [22].

While interest and worry regarding the influence of SNS usage on bodily perception and the
psychopathologies of eating disorders are growing, the collection of knowledge regarding how eating
disorders and SNSs interact and have an impact on people is constantly expanding. Mental health specialists
have been highlighting problematic practices in this area, such as excessive time spent on social media
platforms or posting images that encourage attitudes and actions related to disordered eating. Additionally,
based on the media exposure to SNSs, there are significant pressures to lose weight through the promotion
of thinness and the visualization of diet-culture material, as well as exposure to commercials, advertising,
and food-related marketing; this together might result in risk factors including body dissatisfaction, use of
diets, or bulimic behaviours. In addition to social media exposure, the dynamics of involvement through
"likes" and comments on the posted photographs are also crucial for understanding eating disorders [22].

Several ladies are within the normal weight range and experience unhappiness with a characteristic of their
weight or body type despite rising obesity rates in the broader population and the healthiness of various
weight control strategies. The term "normative discontent" has been used to characterize how ubiquitous
body image issues are among women in our society. Currently, prepubescent girls are also affected by this
obsession with body image, which previously only affected adult and adolescent women [23]. Adolescent
girls feel poorly about their body size or shape in 50-88% [24]. According to specific theories, a person's
peers may also affect their personality traits, physical attributes, and behavioural tendencies, especially
throughout adolescence [25].

Men have received less research attention than women on how SNS and problems with food and body image
are related. It is more probable for boys and men to utilize SNS like Twitter and YouTube that offer
information. However, they also engage in behaviours focused on appearance, such as editing and publishing
pictures on Instagram, frequently in the form of "selfies." Additionally, they might look for material about
muscles and use SNS practices associated with this obsession. The highest risk for muscularity concerns and
disordered eating appears to be conferred by appearance-based SNS behaviours. People who seek out SNS
content about nutrition and muscularity and participate when compared socially to other users in their
network may be particularly at risk [26].

Body image and disordered eating behaviours as health problems

There are associations between negative body image and other aspects of wellness and mental health,
according to numerous research. The detrimental impact of body image on society dissatisfaction can
include diminished sexual function, avoidance of social situations, and poor self-esteem. These conditions
can include depression, anxiety, and BDD. One may radically modify their eating habits to transform their
look and achieve the slender frame portrayed in Western media if they are unhappy with their weight or
shape. Additionally, a key risk factor for starting disordered eating is having a negative body image. A
concern when weighed or form is a common symptom of eating disorder patients, including an obsession
with body fat deposits, a steadfast drive to lose weight, and a great fear of gaining weight. The symptoms of
an eating disorder can also include a variety of additional thoughts and emotions, such as obsession with a
meal's calorie content, frequent food-related thoughts, discomfort after eating desserts, and guilt after
eating. Behaviour characteristics of an eating disorder include a significant reduction in caloric intake,
bingeing episodes followed by purging (self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives), slicing food into tiny pieces,
eating slowly, and avoiding meals heavy in sugar or carbs. These kinds of behaviours can have detrimental
effects on one's health. The mortality rate of eating disorders, specifically the worst mental illness, is
anorexia nervosa, second only to opioid addiction. Cardiac arrhythmia, amenorrhea, bradycardia, weakening
of the heart muscle, esophagitis, and esophageal or gastric rupture are just a few of the medical
complications that can result from eating disorders. Enduring eating disorder patients may experience
lasting repercussions, including weakening of bones and a higher risk of premature birth, bleeding and
nausea during labour, and miscarriage, even with medical treatment [27].

Eating disorders and their sequelae

Eating problems affect 5% of female teenagers and young adults. Anorexia nervosa is connected to several
medical conditions, including hypothalamic amenorrhea, whereas bulimia nervosa can be challenging to
treat, especially if there is a history of sexual abuse. Instead of using sex hormones as a supplement,
establishing healthy eating habits should be the primary treatment for amenorrhea [28].

Adolescents frequently have eating disorders, which considerably negatively impact their physical and
mental health. The most common justification for seeing a gynaecologist is amenorrhea, one of the
hallmarks of anorexia nervosa. The occurrence of amenorrhea in a young lady should make the
gynaecologist suspect an underlying eating disorder. Long-term amenorrhea with a low estrogen status can
result in the potentially irreversible consequence of osteopenia. The best way to treat eating disorders is
through a multidisciplinary team effort that includes a doctor, dietitian, and therapist. The gynaecologist
should abstain from only providing estrogen replacement therapy without additionally sending a patient for

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in-depth treatment or therapy of the eating disorder as it has not been demonstrated to be an effective
treatment for osteopenia in anorexia nervosa. The cornerstones of medical management are nutritional
rehabilitation, weight restoration, and the return of natural menstruation. Doctors should advise taking
calcium and vitamin D supplements and engaging in moderate weight-bearing activity where necessary.
Alendronate, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) are among the more
recent medicinal alternatives for the treatment of osteopenia [29].

What can be done to prevent eating disorder and its treatment?

The development of eating disorders in teenagers is significantly influenced by social pressure and the
fixation on thinness [30]. The initial sign of an eating disorder's onset appears to be inadequate nutritional
intake, followed by the employment of incorrect weight-loss techniques and an excessive increase in
exercise time and load [31]. Teenage body shaming and bullying are two significant factors in the over-focus
on weight and appearance, the development of negative self-perceptions, and unhappiness with specific
body features [32].

So, what we can do to help people with eating disorders is to encourage their families to encourage healthy
eating and exercise more at home and refrain from discussing weight issues. Families should be encouraged
to have more frequent and wholesome family dinners, discourage excessive diets, and encourage a positive
body image. Consider that obese teenagers have been subjected to weight discrimination, and talk to the
teens about this issue. These suggestions emphasize the significance of assisting adolescents and their
families to lessen the emphasis on weight and more on permanent behavioural change [33].

There are several warning signs of an eating issue, some of which are displayed in Table 1.

Sr. no. Several warning signs of an eating issue

1 Making excuses to avoid eating or having a snack

2 Without a doctor's prescription, consuming an incredibly limited diet

3 Placing an excessive amount of focus on nutrition or good eating, especially if it prevents one from taking part in customary events such as birthday cake, sporting banquets, or dining outside

4 Making your own food instead of consuming what your family does

5 Absence from customary social activities

6 Constant worry or complaints about being overweight or unwell, along with suggestions for diet plans

7 Constantly examining oneself in the mirror to look for perceived imperfections

8 Constantly consuming a lot of food

9 Using herbal remedies, laxatives, or dietary supplements to lose weight

10 Working out far more than the ordinary person. This includes skipping rest days or days off due to an illness or injury, as well as declining to go to social gatherings or other important life events because you want to exercise

11 Knuckle calluses from sticking fingers in mouths to make people throw up

12 Enamel loss issues that could be a sign of frequent vomiting

13 Leaving to use the toilet during or immediately following meals

14 Discuss despair, abhorrence, humiliation, or guilt related to eating behaviours

15 Eating covertly

TABLE 1: Several warning signs of an eating issue.

Image Credit: Self-created

Physicians, mostly pediatricians, must consider these illnesses in the proper therapeutic situations, assess
individuals who may have these problems, and manage (or refer) patients who have been diagnosed with
eating disorders, as recent years have seen a dramatic increase in the incidence and prevalence of eating
disorders in children and adolescents. Pediatricians are expected to support laws and regulations that
guarantee adequate services, such as medical attention, nutritional counseling, psychological treatment,
and care coordination for those with eating problems [34].

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Children and teenagers with bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa present differently than they do in
grownups. Diagnostic procedures and multidisciplinary therapies must be specific to meet the unique
developmental, nutritional, medical, and psychological needs of children and adolescents with eating
disorders [35].

Many people with eating disorders don't think they need therapy. One of the main traits of many eating
disorders is the inability to recognize how severe the symptoms are. Guilt and shame are further deterrents
to obtaining assistance. Encourage a friend or relative struggling with an eating issue to get medical help.
Even if the other person isn't ready to admit an eating disorder, one might start the dialogue by showing care
and wanting to listen [11].

Risk factors and prevention

Anyone can develop an eating disorder. Although eating disorders can happen regardless of age, they
frequently begin in the teen and young adult years [11]. Several factors, including those listed below (Table
2), may have an impact on the chance of developing an eating problem.

Sr.
Factors that may have an impact on the chance of developing an eating problem
no.

1 A family tree: Individuals are more prone to develop eating disorders if eating disorders were experienced by their parents or siblings.

2 Additional mental health problems: Depression, anxiety, trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and mental health issues may raise the risk of developing an eating disorder.

Diets and starvation: Weight fluctuations brought on by constantly starting and stopping different diets raise the risk of developing an eating disorder. Several eating problem symptoms include indicators of starvation, based on
3
convincing evidence. Hunger-related brain changes include anxiety, mood swings, rigid thinking, and decreased appetite.

A pattern of bullying related to weight: Bullying and taunting about weight are two situations that may lead to the likelihood of someone acquiring eating problems. This applies to anyone who has faced and experienced stigma
4
connected to their weight from peers, healthcare providers, coaches, teachers, or family members.

5 Anxiety: Adaptation may be stressful, if it is a new college environment, getting a new job, moving, or dealing with a problem in your family or relationships. Additionally, stress may make eating disorders more likely.

TABLE 2: Factors that may have an impact on the chance of developing an eating problem.
Image Credit: Self-created

A person suffering from an eating disorder can take precautionary measures to establish good eating habits,
but there is no surefire solution to stop eating disorders.

Adults

Pick a balanced diet with plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Limit your intake of alcohol, trans
fats, saturated fats, salt, and sugar. Don't go on a strict diet. If you need to lose weight, consult a dietician or
doctor to develop a strategy that works for you. Using herbal remedies, laxatives, or dietary supplements is
not advised for weight loss. Spend enough time moving and exercising. Get 150 minutes or more of
cardiovascular exercise per week, such as brisk walking. Pick enjoyable activities, such as swimming, so you'll
be more likely to participate in them. For mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, or
problems with self-esteem and body image, get help by consultation [11].

Children

Steer clear of diets near your youngster. Family mealtime customs may have an impact on how kids interact
with food. You can talk to your youngster about the dangers of dieting while you eat meals together. It also
lets you determine whether your child is consuming enough quantity and variety of meals. Interact with
your kid. Many websites and other social media platforms spread harmful views, such as the idea that
anorexia is a lifestyle choice instead of an eating disorder. Some websites entice teenagers to begin dieting.
It's crucial to dispel false assumptions like these. Discuss the dangers of choosing unhealthy foods with your
child. Regardless of your child's size or form, encourage and reinforce a positive body image in them. Discuss
self-image with your child and reassure them that many body types are possible. In front of your youngster,
refrain from criticizing your physique. Positive self-esteem-boosting messages can be cultivated. They can
also help you develop resilience, the capacity to bounce swiftly from adversity. These abilities can aid kids in
navigating the brutal teen and young adult years. Speak with your child's doctor for assistance. Healthcare
professionals may be able to spot the first indications of an eating issue at well-child checks. They can
enquire about the food habits of the kids. These visits may involve measurements of body mass index,
height, and weight percentiles, which can notify you and your child's provider of any significant changes
[11].

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Table 3 depicts the summary of all the articles included in the review.

Author Year Findings

Saul and Rodgers

2018 The Internet not only carries extreme information that encourages potentially hazardous eating disorder behaviours but also has a high degree of aesthetic pressure.
[1]

Chisuwa and
2010 Although eating disorders were once thought to be exclusive to Western civilization, there are claims that eating disorders are becoming increasingly common in non-Western nations like Japan.
O'Dea [2]

Holland and SNS use is linked to disordered eating patterns and negative body image. Particularly harmful SNS actions were found to include uploading and viewing images and using status updates to solicit unfavorable
2016
Tiggemann [3] criticism.

Prieler and Choi

2014 Body image and the influence of culture; a theoretical exposition founded on the concept of self-construal.
[4]

The impact of Facebook use on women's emotions and perceptions of their bodies, how these effects vary from those of an online fashion magazine, and if the desire to compare one's looks to others
Fardouly et al. [5] 2015
mitigates any of these impacts.

Singh et al. [6] 2016 The percentage of teenagers who worry about their bodies and who are aware of the connection between media, eating habits, and well-known individuals and body image issues.

Keery et al. [7] 2004 Analysis and contrast of the partially mediated association between peer pressure and body dissatisfaction and the completely mediated relationship between parental influence and body dissatisfaction.

Rodgers and
2016 The existence of material on social media and the Internet that is connected to beauty, especially material that promotes extreme body types or habits.
Melioli [8]

Franchina and
2018 The significance of idealized social media images in influencing teenagers' conceptions of their bodies, particularly the slender ideals for ladies and the muscular ideals for boys.
Coco [9]

Treasure et al.
2020 Eating disorders are expensive and fatal and severely harm mental health. They also interfere with psychosocial functioning and significantly worsen physical health.
[10]

Phillips et al. [12] 2006 Due to BDD, adolescents endure significant levels of anguish, and many have had suicidal thoughts or attempted suicide.

Angelakis et al. Suicidality in BDD is a serious issue that hasn't gotten enough study attention. Compared to people without BDD, those with a diagnosis of BDD were twice as likely to attempt suicide and four times more
2016
[13] likely to have suicidal thoughts.

McGuire et al. [14] 2023 Among cisgender SMAs, protective school policies and treatment practices that target internalized homonegativity may lower the incidence and prevalence of likely BDD.

Henn et al. [15] 2019 There is preliminary evidence that the way that women view their bodies varies according to their sexual orientation: HEW seem to exhibit more symptoms of body image disorder than HOW.

Harrison and
2008 Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are distinguished by the internalization of the thin ideal, a strong desire to be thin, and a profound dread of being overweight.
Hefner [16]

Ioannidis et al.
2021 Dissatisfaction with one's physique and eating disorders are linked to PUI.
[17]

Susanti and
2022 An increased risk of body dysmorphic tendencies is associated with more frequent and severe Instagram use.
Eriyani [18]

The literature has long established a link between body image and social media use; however, the use of algorithms by social media companies may amplify this association, as viewers are presented with
Harriger et al. [19] 2022
personalized content that is frequently more extreme, less regulated, and intended to hold their attention for extended periods of time.

Vall-Roqué et al. The number of women following appearance-focused Instagram profiles, as well as the frequency with which all analyzed social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok) were
2021
[20] used during lockdown, increased significantly.

Frieiro et al. [22] 2022 The creation of successful therapies along these lines may prove beneficial in treating the attitudes and behaviours associated with eating disorders.

Blowers et al. [23] 2003 Social comparison also had a role in the association between internalizing the slender ideal and body dissatisfaction. It was shown that body dissatisfaction was directly correlated with body mass.

Hutchinson and
2007 The impact of early adolescence's peer environment on eating disorders and body image.
Rapee [25]

Lonergan et al.
2021 Research on the connection between SNS and eating disorders and body image issues in males is scarcer than in women.
[26]

Bavikatty [27] 2022 Viewing content that offers diet advice and BSQ showed unfavorable connections, according to correlation analysis. Furthermore, BAS and viewing style material showed a strong favorable association.

Kreipe and Mou

2000 Along with techniques for communicating with patients in an efficient manner, practical answers to everyday issues are highlighted.
[28]

Golden [29] 2003 Adolescents who suffer from eating disorders are likely to experience considerable medical and psychological morbidity.

The McKnight
2003 Social pressure and an obsession with thin bodies are significant risk factors for the emergence of eating disorders in teenagers.

2024 Suhag et al. Cureus 16(4): e58674. DOI 10.7759/cureus.58674 8 of 11

 Published via DMIHER Center for Advanced
Physiotherapy Education & Research

Investigators [30]

Coelho et al. [31] 2014 Female athletes are often plagued by eating disorders, which are significant mental illnesses.

Voelker et al. [32] 2015 The importance of adolescent growth in forming body image, the connection between body image and teenage weight, and the fallout from developing a poor body image in adolescence.

Neumark-Sztainer
2009 Here are five evidence-based suggestions that medical professionals may use in clinical, educational, or other contexts to help avoid eating disorders and obesity in teenagers.
[33]

This study describes the spectrum of treatment options available, including medication. Pediatricians are urged to support laws and regulations that guarantee patients with eating disorders receive the proper
Rosen [34] 2010
medical attention, dietary intervention, mental health therapy, and care coordination.

Practitioners are advised to customize these therapies for their children and adolescents with eating disorders by using a stepped-care, decision-tree model of intervention that considers the interventions'
Robin et al. [35] 1998
cost, intrusiveness, and efficacy.

TABLE 3: Summary of all the articles included in this review.

Image Credit: Self-created

BDD: body dysmorphic disorder; SMAs: sexual minority adolescents; HEW: heterosexual women; HOW: homosexual women; PUI: person under
investigation; SNS: social networking sites; BSQ: band sequential; BAS: Body Appreciation Scale

Conclusions
Internet usage has been linked to concerns related to food and body image, with teenagers being
particularly vulnerable. Social media platforms that highlight physical attractiveness contribute to
heightened levels of stress and eating disorders. It is crucial for researchers and professionals to explore how
the Internet can empower young adolescents and foster a positive digital environment. Online activism can
advocate for societal changes and redirect the focus from unrealistic beauty standards. The Internet and SNS
will continue to be significant influencers for body image and eating disorders. Adolescents represent a
crucial demographic for examining the negative consequences of Internet usage on body image and eating
habits. Constructing evidence-based models can guide preventive measures and interventions.

Additional Information
Disclosures
Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the
following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from
any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have
no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might
have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no
other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

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