Social media has a powerful influence on body image and self-perception, especially among young adults, and research shows it can have real impacts on mental health and eating behaviors. These can include low self-esteem, a history of trauma, perfectionism, anxiety, or a genetic predisposition to mental health conditions. For someone with these vulnerabilities, exposure to idealized body images or diet trends on social media can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy, triggering or worsening disordered eating behaviors.
Social Media’s Role in Eating Disorder Prevalence
It’s well-established that exposure to social media can influence body image, with detrimental effects on mental health. Studies show that about 88% of young women report comparing themselves to images they see on social media, and 50% say these comparisons make them feel worse about themselves (Fardouly et al., 2015). Platforms like Instagram and TikTok promote idealized, often unrealistic body types, with many users editing their photos or posting curated “highlight reels” of their lives. Research confirms that idealized portrayals of beauty and lifestyle can lead to body dissatisfaction—a key risk factor for developing an eating disorder (Grabe et al., 2008). Furthermore, around 30% of teenagers and young adults report that they’ve altered their eating habits or exercise routines because of what they see on social media (Tiggemann & Slater, 2014). The constant comparison to influencers or peers can reinforce restrictive eating behaviors, excessive exercise, or obsession with “clean eating,” which in turn can lead to unhealthy eating habits and eating disorders.
Despite the high prevalence of eating disorders, only about 20% of individuals with eating disorders seek specialized treatment (Hudson et al., 2007). This means approximately 80% do not access professional care, leaving them vulnerable to the serious health risks associated with untreated eating disorders. Early intervention is crucial, as untreated eating disorders can lead to more complicated health challenges and the need for more intensive treatments over time (Hudson et al., 2007).
The Health Risks of Untreated Eating Disorders
Leaving eating disorders untreated carries significant risks that impact physical, mental, and social well-being:
- Physical Health Complications: Eating disorders can lead to severe malnutrition and organ damage. Conditions like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa may damage vital organs, including the heart, kidneys, and liver, and can cause electrolyte imbalances that may be fatal (Westmoreland et al., 2016). Individuals with eating disorders are also at higher risk for bone density loss, increasing osteoporosis risks, particularly with anorexia, and face gastrointestinal issues like acid reflux and, in severe cases, esophageal rupture from purging (Mehler, 2011).
2. Mental Health Risks: Untreated eating disorders often coincide with worsening anxiety and depression, which can be harder to treat over time (Hudson et al., 2007). There is also a higher risk of suicidal ideation, as eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates among psychiatric disorders due to both physical complications and suicide (Arcelus et al., 2011).
3. Social and Emotional Impacts: Untreated eating disorders can cause isolation and strained relationships, which diminish one’s support network and impact quality of life, education, and work (Grabe et al., 2008). Many people with untreated eating disorders also struggle with substance abuse, often turning to alcohol or drugs to cope with symptoms (Hudson et al., 2007).
Seeking Treatment
If you or someone you know is struggling with disordered eating, be Collaborative Care offers compassionate, expert-led treatment. By understanding and addressing the underlying factors, our experts at be Collaborative Care help clients build resilience and develop healthier relationships with food and body image.
Our team creates personalized treatment plans, integrating evidence-based therapies and approaches tailored to each person’s needs. Understanding the strong connection between mental health and eating disorders, our programs are rooted in the belief that recovery is possible.
Whether through outpatient therapy, nutritional counseling, our Intensive Outpatient program and Rhode Island’s only Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) for the treatment of eating disorders, there is healing environment where recovery and growth are possible.
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References
- Arcelus, J., Mitchell, A. J., Wales, J., & Nielsen, S. (2011). Mortality rates in patients with anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders. Archives of General Psychiatry, 68(7), 724-731.
- Fardouly, J., Diedrichs, P. C., Vartanian, L. R., & Halliwell, E. (2015). Social comparisons on social media: The impact of Facebook on young women’s body image concerns and mood. Body Image, 13, 38-45.
- Grabe, S., Ward, L. M., & Hyde, J. S. (2008). The role of the media in body image concerns among women: A meta-analysis of experimental and correlational studies. Psychological Bulletin, 134(3), 460–476.
- Hudson, J. I., Hiripi, E., Pope, H. G., & Kessler, R. C. (2007). The prevalence and correlates of eating disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Biological Psychiatry, 61(3), 348-358.
- Mehler, P. S. (2011). Medical complications of eating disorders: A comprehensive review. Psychosomatic Medicine, 73(5), 436-449.
- Tiggemann, M., & Slater, A. (2014). NetGirls: The internet, Facebook, and body image concern in adolescent girls. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 46(6), 630-633.
- Westmoreland, P., Krantz, M. J., & Mehler, P. S. (2016). Medical complications of anorexia nervosa and bulimia. American Journal of Medicine, 129(1), 30-37.