Focusing only on one side of the eating spectrum would be just plain ignorant, and would miss a big demographic of the American population. Eating disorders are another aspect of eating that grips many Americans and has just as many negative effects as obesity.
In my opinion, it is often women who struggle with things like anorexia, bullimia or excessive dieting. Most of the time this immense pressure comes from media and the fact that skinny women tend to be the beauty ideal that we as women look up to.
This video titled Eating Disorders--Attitudes Toward Ourselves need Changing/Educational Video PSA is an example of the way women view themselves because of societal pressure.
One nonprofit organization called Girls Inc. works to empower and inspire girls despite all the negative influence they receive from society. Their goals are to "equip girls to achieve academically, lead healthy and physically active lives, manage money, navigate media messages, and discover an interest in science, technology, engineering and math."
It is so important on both sides of the issue of weight to educate people that they don't have to fall on one side of the spectrum, there can be a middle ground and that can be embraced. Beauty does not have a worldwide definition.
One of my close friends had/has anorexia and it was really sad to see her lose confidence and starve herself even though she was already so slim and beautiful! I really think that programs like Girls Inc. should be more recognised in society and that so much focus does go into obesity that some times eating disorders like anorexia don't get enough attention!
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