A panel, a workshop, a presentation and two discussions was held at the student union. Causes of Eating Disorders Graybar said eating disorders are often related to people's desire to control their emotions. Blaustein said the problem begins when people see themselves negatively. A person with eating disorders often has a different self-perception than that of others, according to Blaustein. Average-size people can see themselves in the mirror as fat, or keep their eyes on specific parts of their bodies that they are not satisfied with.
College student eats lunch at dining service area.
Blaustein said she believed media images are one of the biggest factors that create negative body images among women. TV programs and magazines continuously show very thin women promoting the idea that being thin is good. Not only adults but also younger girls who are still in growing stages suffer from eating disorders, she said. It is only in the last few years that positive body images of average women are seen in the media. Although the media have started sending messages that physical appearance does not reflect real character, those messages are still rare, she said.