1. Eating Disorders Prevention Presentation

2. What part does the media play in shaping your body image?
How many hours of TV do you watch a day?
How many magazine have you looked at this week?
How many billboards have you seen while in a car this month?
How about signs on transit vehicles?
How many store window displays at the mall do you see?

3. Media and genetics facts
The average person sees 3,000 ads per day
1/3 of these ads speak directly to beauty and appearance
Most models are thinner than 98% of women in the U.S.
Genetics strongly influence our bone structure, body size and shape
Guys and girls will gain pounds during a year of puberty AND this is healthy and natural

4. Media Impacts
The Impact of Media Images on Body Image and Behaviours: A Summary of the Scientific Evidence (2009) details scientific evidence on how the use of airbrushing to promote “body perfect” ideals in advertising is a root cause of an array of serious problems in young women, including eating disorders, depression, extreme exercising and an increase in cosmetic surgery.

5. Media Impacts
A 2007 report of the American Psychological Association’s Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls reported: 3 of the most common mental health problems among girls - eating disorders, depression or depressed mood, and low self-esteem - are linked to sexualization of girls and women in media.

6. Media Impacts
60% of teenage girls compare their bodies to fashion models and almost 90% say the media places a lot of pressure on them to be thin, according to the 2010 Girl Scout Research Institute report entitled ‘‘Beauty Redefined.’’

7. Dieting facts and simple food truths
The diet industry is worth $40 billion in the U.S.
95% of diets fail
Dieting is no fun
A body needs food as energy like a car needs fuel to drive
Listen to and respond to your body’s natural hunger
Don’t separate food into good and bad
Eat a balanced diet in moderation
Dieting can lead to the development of an eating disorder

8. What can I do to create change?
Remove magazine ads that send unhealthy messages
Display ads that promote healthy messages
Talk back to the TV when you hear/see unhealthy ads
Tell your friends about what you learned today
Don’t tolerate negative talk from others about their looks

9. What can I do to create change?
Compliment friends’ accomplishments, talents and characteristics NOT their appearance
Join NEDA’s Media Watchdogs! Write to advertisers that send unhealthy messages; praise advertisers that send healthy messages
Don’t buy products from advertisers that make you feel bad; buy products from those with positive ads
Stop buying fashion magazines if they make you feel bad; choose alternative media sources