
Introduction
You might have seen the movie To The Bone, where a young woman is struggling with anorexia. The way the disorder is portrayed in the film has sparked a lot of controversy, with some people arguing that it romanticizes eating disorders.
While I haven’t seen the movie myself, I can understand why people would have this reaction. Anorexia is a serious mental illness that should not be taken lightly. It’s important to remember that the people who struggle with it are not just “skinny girls” who are trying to be thin for esthetic reasons. They are fighting a real and dangerous battle against their own bodies.
That being said, I do think it’s important to recognize the appeal of eating disorders. There is something very alluring about the idea of being in complete control of your body and your diet. It’s like you’re taking your life into your own hands and you’re the one who is dictating what happens. For some people, this can be very tempting.
In this post, I want to explore the romantisation of eating disorders and why they are so appealing to some people.
What Is the Romantisation of Eating Disorders?
Have you ever heard the saying “love hurts”? Well, that phrase was never more true than when it comes to eating disorders.
When you’re in the grip of an eating disorder, it’s like you’re in a love affair with food. You become obsessed with it, and you start to think of it as your one true love. You develop a deep emotional connection to it, and you become convinced that food is the only thing that can make you happy.
This is the romantisation of eating disorders. It’s the idea that there’s something special and romantic about being thin and frail. It’s the belief that being thin is a sign of being successful and beautiful. And it’s the idea that having an eating disorder is a way to show the world how special you are.
How Does the Romantisation of Eating Disorders Impact Those With Eating Disorders?
How does the romantisation of eating disorders impact those with eating disorders? Well, for starters, it can make them feel like they’re not alone. It can make them feel like their struggles are validated, and that’s a powerful thing.
When people see their struggles reflected back to them in popular culture, it can give them the strength to keep going. It can give them hope. And for some people, that’s all they need to get through a tough time.
But for others, it can be dangerous. It can be easy to get caught up in the fantasy of having an eating disorder, and before you know it, you’re in too deep. You’ve lost control of your life, and you’re in danger of harming yourself.
So while the romantisation of eating disorders can be positive for some people, it can be negative for others. It’s a tricky balance, and we need to be careful about how we talk about these issues.
How Does the Romantisation of Eating Disorders Impact Public Perception of Eating Disorders?
How does the romantisation of eating disorders impact public perception of eating disorders?
Well, for one, it can make it seem like an “acceptable” thing to have. It can also make it harder for people who are struggling with eating disorders to seek help, because they may feel like they’re the only ones who are dealing with this issue. And finally, it can give people a skewed view of what eating disorders actually are.
All of this contributes to a general perception that eating disorders are a “life choice” or a “fashionable” statement, rather than a serious mental illness. This is a problem, because it can prevent people from getting the help they need and hinder our ability to fight against these illnesses.
Some Examples of the Romantisation of Eating Disorders
It’s not hard to find examples of the romantisation of eating disorders. Just take a look at the movies and TV shows that are popular right now.
There’s “To The Bone,” which glorifies anorexia nervosa. Then there’s “Trash” and “The Duff,” both of which portray eating disorders as a way to be sexy and attractive.
All of these stories send the message that an eating disorder is something to be proud of. They make it seem like an illness is something that can be glamorized and romanticized. But the truth is, eating disorders are anything but glamorous. They’re debilitating, dangerous, and can even be deadly.
The Dangers of the Romantisation of Eating Disorders
You may have heard people say that having an eating disorder is a “choice.” As if we just wake up one day and decide that we want to be malnourished and obsess over our weight. But the truth is, eating disorders are never just about food.
They’re about control.
And for a lot of people, being in control means being in a constant state of hunger and deprivation. It means feeling like you’re not good enough, that you’re not thin enough, that you’re not worthy of love and happiness.
The romantisation of eating disorders is dangerous because it perpetuates the myth that these disorders are some kind of “gift.” That they make you special, or unique, or “better” than everyone else. But the reality is that they’re nothing but a curse.
How to Combat the Romantisation of Eating Disorders
It’s no secret that eating disorders have been glamorized by the media in recent years. You only need to turn on your TV or scroll through your social media feeds to see examples of this.
But what you might not know is that this is having a serious impact on our youth. Eating disorders are now the number one cause of death for young women in the developed world, and the mortality rate is rising.
So what can we do to combat the romantisation of eating disorders? Here are a few tips:
1. Educate yourself and your loved ones about the realities of eating disorders.
2. Seek professional help if you think you or someone you know might be struggling with an eating disorder.
3. Don’t be afraid to talk about eating disorders openly and honestly.
4. Promote body positivity and self-love.
5. Support organizations that fight against eating disorders.
Conclusion
The romantisation of eating disorders is dangerous and can lead to people with eating disorders feeling like they are not sick enough, or that they are not doing enough. It can also lead to people thinking that eating disorders are romantic and glamorous, which is far from the truth.
If you see something romanticizing eating disorders, call it out. If you know someone with an eating disorder, be there for them and offer support. Eating disorders are serious illnesses that need to be treated with care and respect.


















