Why does the media promote eating disorders?!

Why does the media promote eating disorders?

Many people will disagree and say they don't, but they do. They obsess about and promote "the skinny idea". They say that skinny is beautiful, and that skinny people are happier. This makes me sick. You see, I am a recovering bulimic, and I know what eating disorders are like. They are terrible dieseases that kill people. And the media causes most of them. They try to prove that they are against eating disorders by constantly putting underweight stars in the spotlight, but then flip the page in the magazine and they show you how to lose weight. The mass importance of this issue is too often overlooked.

3 days ago
Thanks to who agree with me. And another thing: I know it is not always caused by media. Mine wasn't. Mine was caused because of a verbally abusive relationship. But the guy had it put into his mind that skinny is beautiful. I am not in any way putting all the blame on the media. But they do contribute.

Good point, kmiley7.
I've also had my share of battles with anorexia so I know where you're coming from. The media does promote eating disorders in an indirect sort of way. I don't think that media execs sat down and decided that they were particularly going to emphasize bulimia, or anorexia, or EDNOS to viewers, but they are trying to cater to our society. And our society today is one in which the celebrities - the rich, the famous, etc - are all thin. Our society associates thin with being perfect, happy, etc - and that idea translates into eating disordered behavior for many viewers, especially impressionable pre-teens/teens.
The media is focused on making money - so they will inevitably just focus on pointing out emaciated stars in order to catch society's attention . . and in the same way, they'll say that Tyra Banks is 60 pounds heavier (even though she is still gorgeous) just because society wants to hear about it. They'll do anything regarding weight (thin or not) in order to catch viewers' attentions. In the process, yes, they are making EDs more prevalent, but I don't think it's as intentional as their mere desire for money.
An important issue! Thanks for bringing it up (: