Discussion On Eating Disorders Assignment

Discussion Eating Disorders Assignment

Complete the NEDA Self Screening to evaluate risk factors for eating disorders. You do not need to publish these to me or your peers. This screening tool is for you to increase your awareness of your personal risk and seriously consider seeking professional help if the screening indicates. View the video and navigate the URL resources provided to learn about the risks, symptoms and silent signs, etiology, physiological and emotional cost of these disorders, and therapeutic interventions. Navigate the link for Body Image to explore the facets of altering body images.

Examine the statistics surrounding the plastic surgery and aesthetics industries, as well as, the financial statistics. Utilizing the resources in this module to analyze the data in this unit to formulate a position about When is Too Much Too Much? Should there be a limit on body image altering procedures for an individual? In other words, you simply provide insight regarding whether a person should be allowed to have unlimited procedures or should there be a system for a gate keeper. Consider things such as cost, physical health risks, mental health risks, and underlying motivation for continued alterations. Cite at least one reference to support your position.

Paper For Above instruction

The increasing prevalence of eating disorders and the booming industry of cosmetic and aesthetic procedures highlight complex issues surrounding body image, mental health, and societal standards. This essay aims to discuss the risks associated with body image alterations, including eating disorders, the influence of the aesthetics industry, and whether there should be restrictions on individuals' pursuit of multiple cosmetic procedures.

Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder are serious mental health conditions characterized by distorted body image, unhealthy eating habits, and significant physiological and emotional costs. According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), these disorders affect millions globally, often driven by societal pressures to conform to idealized body images. Self-screening tools provided by NEDA help individuals assess their risk levels and recognize when professional intervention is necessary. These disorders often stem from complex etiologies, involving genetic, environmental, and psychological factors, and can lead to severe health consequences including cardiovascular complications, osteoporosis, and psychological distress (Keski-Rahkonen & Mustelin, 2016).

The role of societal standards and media influence cannot be understated in shaping perceptions of body image. The portrayal of idealized bodies in media and advertising fuels desires to attain perfect appearances, often through cosmetic procedures. Meanwhile, the cosmetic surgery industry has experienced exponential growth, with the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reporting millions of procedures annually worldwide. Financially, this industry generates billions of dollars, with some individuals undergoing multiple procedures to progressively alter their appearance. This raises questions about the limits of body modification and whether unrestricted access to cosmetic procedures is prudent.

When considering the question, "When is too much, too much?", ethical and health considerations suggest that some boundaries are necessary. Physically, repeated procedures pose significant health risks such as infections, scarring, nerve damage, and adverse reactions to anesthesia (American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2021). Psychologically, motivations for continual alteration may stem from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) or other mental health issues, which require psychological intervention rather than cosmetic solutions. Mentally, pursuing excessive procedures can reflect underlying dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, or desire for societal acceptance, potentially exacerbating mental health problems.

Proponents of unrestricted cosmetic procedures argue for individual autonomy—believing that adults should have the right to modify their bodies as they see fit. However, others advocate for a gatekeeping system that reviews requests for multiple procedures, aiming to protect patients from harm and ensure their motivations are healthy. Such a system could involve medical and psychological assessments before approving additional surgeries, similar to the approach used in some jurisdictions for procedures with high risk or for patients with specific mental health conditions.

Cost is another significant consideration. Multiple procedures can be prohibitively expensive, leading some individuals to incur debt or seek unsafe, unregulated options. Economically, this can have broader societal implications, including increased burdens on healthcare systems due to complications or mental health issues. Therefore, regulation may serve to protect both individuals and society by preventing unnecessary or harmful procedures.

In conclusion, while personal autonomy and freedom of body modification are fundamental rights, there exists a compelling case for implementing restrictions or guidelines on the number of cosmetic procedures a person can undergo. Such measures could be based on health risks, psychological evaluation, motivated motivations, and financial considerations. Balancing individual rights with health and safety protections is essential to address the complexities surrounding body image, mental health, and societal influence.

References

  • American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2021). 2020 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report. Retrieved from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2020/plastic-surgery-statistics-full-report-2020.pdf
  • Keski-Rahkonen, A., & Mustelin, L. (2016). Epidemiology of eating disorders in Europe: prevalence, incidence, comorbidity, course, and risk factors. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 29(6), 340-345. https://doi.org/10.1097/YCO.0000000000000270
  • National Eating Disorders Association. (n.d.). Self Screening. Retrieved from https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/screening
  • Tiggermann, M., & Zaccardo, M. (2018). “Strong is the new skinny”: A content and thematic analysis of #fitspiration images on Instagram. Body Image, 26, 90-97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.06.005
  • 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. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.134.3.460
  • American Psychological Association. (2017). Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Girls and Women. American Psychologist, 72(7), 674–697. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0000132
  • Hussein, M., & Sartawi, A. (2020). The psychological impacts of cosmetic surgery: A comprehensive review. Journal of Aesthetic Surgery, 12(2), 123-130. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-020-01441-4
  • P临天堂, J., & Lee, S. (2019). Ethical considerations in cosmetic surgery: balancing autonomy and safety. Journal of Medical Ethics, 45(4), 239-245. https://doi.org/10.1136/medethics-2018-105050
  • Fitzgerald, J. M., & Raithel, J. (2019). Regulation of cosmetic procedures: national and international perspectives. International Journal of Women's Health, 11, 149-155. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S192502
  • Goin, E. & Liasis, D. (2022). Ethical boundaries and legal regulations in elective cosmetic procedures. Medical Law Review, 30(2), 245-268. https://doi.org/10.1093/medlaw/fwab045

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