In our hyperconnected life that increasingly leans towards digital and social media influences, we are beginning to talk about an idealization of thin, muscular or unrealistic bodies. Spending all day watching unreal lives on our screens accompanied by “perfect” body images that conform to all social norms, it is common to feel outside of these realities and develop low self-esteem for not complying with these idealized stereotypes.
As a result of this and systematically, there is talk of a rise in mental health disorders and problems that have to do with corporality and the social desirability associated with it. Many people begin to describe characteristic symptoms of body dysmorphia and eating disorders. Science points to the existence of a bidirectional relationship between these two disorders, mutually influencing the development and maintenance of the other.
In this article we are going to discover what it is the real relationship between body dysmorphia and eating disorders ; What do these two disorders share beyond their origin centered on concern for the body and the desire to always keep it desirable and appropriate to the norm.
As we have already been commenting, today’s society has been characterized for years by concern about physical appearance and body image. Body dysmorphia or body dysmorphic disorder is a condition characterized by an extreme and obsessive preoccupation with some aspect of one’s physical appearance, perceiving it in a distorted way. This worry becomes so overwhelming that it negatively affects your emotional well-being, interpersonal relationships, and overall quality of life.
People affected by this disorder can focus their attention on any part of the body, whether real or perceived as defective. They may become obsessed with features such as skin, hair, the shape of the nose, eyes, jaw, or other parts, convinced that they are abnormal or disfigured. Although these concerns may not be perceived by other people, for those who suffer from this disorder they are very real and distressing.
Body dysmorphia can lead to avoidant behaviors, such as avoiding social situations or mirrors so as not to face the perception of one’s “defective” appearance. Some people may resort to cosmetic procedures or plastic surgeries repeatedly in an attempt to correct the perceived problem, even though the results never seem satisfactory. This constant pursuit of physical perfection can become an endless and emotionally draining struggle.
What are eating disorders?
Eating Disorders (ED) constitute a group of mental disorders characterized by patterns of disordered eating behavior and obsessive preoccupation with weight, body shape, and appearance. The best known are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. These disorders affect both men and women and usually emerge in adolescence or early adulthood.
The relationship between body dysmorphia and eating disorders is intricate and bidirectional. Body dysmorphia can be a risk factor for the development of EDs, since people who perceive imaginary defects in their appearance may feel the need to control their weight and body shape in an extreme way. This obsession can lead to food restriction and purgative behaviors to achieve the idealized image they believe they should have.
On the other hand, EDs can also trigger or intensify body dysmorphia. People with EDs often experience changes in how they perceive their body due to altered eating habits and weight fluctuations. This can exacerbate concerns about appearance and increase the perception of body defects, even when they do not actually exist.
Underlying factors and common causes
It is important to understand that both disorders have roots in a combination of biological, psychological and social factors. It is essential to explore the underlying and common causes to delve deeper into the relationship between both conditions:
1. Social pressure and beauty standards
Today’s appearance-obsessed, culture-driven culture unrealistic beauty standards promoted by the media and social networks. Constant exposure to these images can lead to unrealistic expectations and constant dissatisfaction with one’s life and body image.
2. Psychological vulnerabilities
Factors such as low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and the need for control predispose people to developing both body dysmorphia and ED. These can be amplified combined with external influences such as those discussed above.
3. Traumatic experiences
Having been a victim of bullying, teasing, or negative comments about physical appearance can trigger this body dysmorphia and ED. Emotional trauma can generate a lot of insecurity and trigger unhealthy coping mechanisms.
4. Family influence
Family environments can play crucial roles in the emergence of these conditions. Exposure to disordered eating patterns, frequent criticism about appearance, and excessive emphasis on weight and body shape increase both the risk of dysmorphia and eating disorders.
The destructive cycle and non-linear recovery
Basically, the most significant connection between both disorders is the destructive cycle that can trap those who experience them in a whirlwind of physical and emotional suffering. The relationship between body dysmorphia and EDs highlights the importance of addressing both problems in an integrated manner in the treatment. Understanding how these conditions interact and influence each other is essential to addressing the root of the problem and helping people break the destructive cycle. Cognitive behavioral therapy, psychological support, and education about body image and nutrition can be crucial components in recovery.
It is essential to recognize that recovery is not linear and that it takes time and effort. Through a multidisciplinary approach and appropriate support, people struggling with body dysmorphia and EDs can find a way to break free from the destructive cycle and begin a path toward physical and emotional healing. By increasing awareness about the interconnectedness of these conditions, we can work toward a society that promotes personal acceptance and celebrates the diversity of bodies and minds.
