Edie Stark, a San Diego-based therapist with a focus on eating disorders, firmly emphasizes that "rapid, extreme weight loss is never beneficial." She also warns against engaging in discussions about others' bodies, whether they are changing or not. Stark tells Allure, "Bodies are designed to vary, and gaining weight is not a setback; similarly, losing weight is not a victory to be achieved." She further cautions that "speculation is a risky game; we have no idea what is happening behind closed doors, and making assumptions will never lead to good outcomes."

Lesson from the Tabloid Era

Many of us, especially those over 30, should have learned this lesson long ago. During the height of the tabloid era in the 2000s, magazine covers would shame a singer one week for having cellulite and then praise an actress or model as "scarily thin" the next. These articles did not feature quotes from the celebrities but rather the thoughts of anonymous "sources." This constant focus on body shaming and speculation is not new and has a long history. 1: The tabloid era's impact on body image is still felt today. It set a dangerous precedent of using media to judge and shame people based on their appearance. This has led to a culture where people are constantly comparing themselves to others and feeling inadequate. 2: The weight loss industry's valuation of $90 billion in 2023 despite the ineffectiveness of most diet regimens shows how deeply ingrained this culture is. People are constantly seeking quick fixes and validation through their appearance.

Social Media's Role in Body Policing

The current fixation on eating disorders on social media is a rehash of the tabloid coverage. It preys on people's insecurities and adds a layer of concern that does not make the situation better. 1: When social media focuses on what famous people eat or don't eat, it encourages people, especially younger ones, to engage in similar behaviors. They may start obsessing over their own bodies and comparing themselves to others. 2: This constant monitoring of bodily fluctuations can lead to an unhealthy fixation on one's own and others' bodies. It distracts from the real issue of promoting health and well-being.

Personal Experience and Awareness

The author shares their own experience of being sick and engaging in harmful behaviors related to eating disorders. 1: At their sickest, they poured over "pro-ana" message boards, hoping to exchange "tips" with others. They now realize that they were only enabling each other in dangerous ways. 2: Reading memoirs and biographies about people with eating disorders did not help; it only glorified the condition. Picking up magazines and comparing their bodies to those of shamed celebrities only made things worse.

The Need for a Change

It is important to shift the focus from body policing to promoting health and self-acceptance. 1: We need to stop fixating on every bodily fluctuation and instead focus on taking care of our bodies in a healthy way. This includes eating well, exercising regularly, and loving ourselves as we are. 2: Social media can play a positive role in promoting body positivity and healthy living. By sharing positive messages and stories, we can help others feel better about themselves and break free from the cycle of body shaming.