Over 10,000 Americans die from eating disorders every year, according to the National Association for Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. Such prolonged malnourishment can damage vital organs and create potentially fatal heart problems. People with “lifetime” eating disorders are also over five times more likely to commit suicide than those without, according to a 2019 study in the journal BMC Medicine.
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It isn’t clear why eating disorders are on the rise, but it is also not entirely surprising. Although the so-called body positivity movement has been around for decades, leading social-media influencers tend to push an unattainable ideal of flawless beauty and perfect lives.
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“The research suggests that the more someone is using social media, their risk of developing self-esteem issues, disordered eating, anxiety, depression, body image and other issues is elevated,” said Samantha DeCaro, director of clinical outreach and education at the Renfrew Center, a residential treatment facility for eating disorders.
