Medical Articles

Why Are Eating Disorders So Difficult to Treat?

04.10.2026

Throughout the years, countless idols and idol groups have made their debuts. When people see idols with slim, seemingly perfect figures, some may feel that they, too, need to become thinner. In recent years, social media influencers have also played a role in shaping these attitudes.

It is estimated that around 16 million people worldwide are living with an eating disorder. However, many people with eating disorders do not receive the treatment or support they need. Eating disorders can involve a variety of symptoms and behaviors, including:

• Refusing to eat or severely restricting food intake (anorexia nervosa)
• Eating an unusually large amount of food in a short period of time (binge eating)
• Trying to get rid of calories consumed by vomiting or using laxatives (purging behaviors)

Eating disorders cannot be judged simply by a person's weight or appearance. They can cause serious long-term health problems, including osteoporosis and anemia. Although eating disorders are often thought of as conditions that primarily affect women, they can also affect men.

Eating disorders are closely linked to both environmental and psychological factors. Many people with eating disorders struggle with low self-esteem, while perfectionistic thinking and dissatisfaction with their appearance can contribute to the development of an eating disorder. They are particularly likely to develop during adolescence, a period when self-esteem and self-image are still developing. Eating disorders can be difficult to treat, and recovery often takes time. Effective treatment requires support for both physical and psychological health. Common approaches include counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and family-based therapy. These forms of therapy help people develop skills to cope with the psychological issues underlying their eating disorder.

One factor that can contribute to eating disorders is the cultural ideal that “being thin is beautiful.” Although the idea of diversity and body acceptance has become more widely recognized in recent years, the belief that thinner bodies are more desirable remains deeply rooted in society. Eating disorders are not simply a matter of willpower, and people who struggle with them should never be blamed for their condition. Rather, they need understanding, appropriate medical care, and psychological support. Hopefully, we can move toward a society where people of all shapes and sizes are accepted and valued.

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