A Description of a Thin or Fat Body - Assignment Example

FAT’ AND ‘THIN’ BODIES Name Course Professor (Tutor) Institution Date Introduction Across the human race, the description of a body as either fat or thin has always been linked to eating disorders. The U.S. National Alliance on Mental Illness (2007) notes that eating disorders are among the most challenging mental illnesses and have the potential to develop into serious medical complications or even lead to eventual death of the victim unless addressed on time. Monaghan et al. (2008) describe an eating disorder as a complex syndrome that is often psychiatric and tends to trigger cognitive imbalances related to food consumption. The researcher, also describes three types of disorders: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and EDNOS otherwise referred to as ‘Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified’. In this case, the psychiatric disorders may include but not limited to drug and substance abuse, depression or even deep seated anxiety among victims. (Howells & Grogan; McMahon and Penney, 2012) explain that sportsmen and sportswomen are likely to fall victims of eating disorders as will be discussed in detail during this study. This is linked to the societal pressure for them to remain fit as a guarantee to optimum performance. Research Methods A number of methods have been widely employed in surveys with regard to fat ethic and thin bodies as well as their sway when it comes to physical education particularly sports.. The commonest has been the employment of focus groups and one-on-one interviews (Howells & Grogan, 2012). The school of thought employed by the writers in coming up with their works is basically qualitative structuralism. Here, researchers focus on the inherent aspects of culture and seek to explore the critical cultural components that lead the society into discriminating against ‘fat’ or ‘thin’ bodies. In other words, the researchers base their arguments on the proposition that all happenings and views have got an underlying reason that constitutes the real picture of what is generally taken as the ‘actual’ state of affairs. Quite often the techniques in structuralism are classified as either qualitative or quantitative. For instance, Howells & Grogan (2012), pick out the use of retrospective ethnography in data generation as having been successful in Australian culture. Here, participants were required to explain their body-related swimming experiences and a mixture of qualitative methods used to do thematic analysis of the data provided by individual participants. This, therefore, leads us to conclude that qualitative structuralism has been widely applied in this research since the interviewers and the respondents engaged on an intimate interaction (McMahon and Penney, 2012). The bottom line in this case, is to ensure an objective response on the female swimmer’s perceptions with respect to their body shape and size. However, this method, qualitative structuralism, is limited in that the interview outcome is, to a greater extent, based on the interviewer’s grasp of the swimming culture (Howells & Grogan, 2012). In addition, it is important to note that theories or any research work based on structuralism fails to take care of possible biases tied to the examiner or the interviewer as such their objectivity remains questionable. Further, the approach fails to acknowledge the fact that cultural or societal views are generally artificial and consequently subject to change as dictated by changing times. McMahon and Penney (2012) point out that post-structuralism would, most likely, offer impartial results. This approach casts a wider net by independently reviewing the dynamics in any given society. Why ‘fat’ or ‘thin’? Anorexia Nervosa is one of the leading conditions that fall into the category of eating disorders. The victims are obsessed with emaciation and consequently have real difficulties in maintaining heath body weight (Alton, 2012). The sufferers have extreme fear with regard to their weight gain even in cases of the underweight. In the long run, the sufferers of this disorder destroy their original body image with cases menstruation ceasing among some women - amenorrhea. Alton (2012), notes that the affected persons, are keen to eat very small portions of food, weigh themselves repeatedly and also prefer certain kinds of food. The U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (2013) points out that it is possible for victims to recover in a single episode however cautions on possible relapses among a section of the sufferers. The repeat cases are more lethal as they can easily morph into cardiac arrests, osteoporosis, lethargy, mild anemia, body fluid imbalances and even suicidal tendencies observes Alton (2012). According to Alton (2012) treating Anorexia Nervosa requires concerted efforts that start with the treatment of the psychological issues behind the disorder. The driving force here is to bring down to a bare minimum the thoughts that lead to development of the condition in the first place while at the same time keeping a keen eye on possible relapses. Anxiety and mood swing symptoms are better addressed through the use of antipsychotics, antidepressants coupled with mood stabilizers (Alton, 2012). Psychological aspects are better addressed in family-based groups or individually depending on age of the afflicted persons. On the other hand, (Alton, 2012) explains that victims of Bulimia Nervosa exhibit chaotic feeding habits which they in turn try to shed off by engaging in rigorous exercises. She explains that, in most of the cases, the trait is recurrent occasionally inflicting a sense of helplessness and self-pity among the victims. Consequently, the affected persons habitually resort to the use of laxatives in an effort to counter the uncontrollable purge. However, as the (U.S. National Institute of Mental Health, 2013) observes, the upshot is loss of large amounts of fluid from the large intestine. To make matters even worse, the institute warns that calories as well as the nutrients ingested are lost as little absorption occurs in the small intestine. The U.S. National Alliance on Mental Illness (2007) describes the condition as characterized by people who are both underweight and overweight. It however clarifies that a greater majority of the sufferers experience untold weight fluctuations. In this category, the victims are also quite unimpressed with their body weight and hate the sizes of their individual bodies and shape too (Alton, 2012).The U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (2013) observes that, just like victims of Anorexia Nervosa, sufferers of Bulimia Nervosa also have underlying psychosocial problems. Quite often the sufferers will manifest electrolytic imbalance, oral problems and gastro-intestinal malfunctions. Similarly, the resultant physical conditions of their bodies prompt the purging tendencies in the course of the illness (Monaghan, 2008). The third form through which eating disorders manifest is through a concoction of both Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa (Alton, 2012) referred to as EDNOS. The U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (2013) explains that eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS) cover a wide range of varying maladies. The institute singles out Binge eating disorder as the commonest of these disorders. On the contrary, and unlike Bulimia and Anorexia victims who make relentless attempts to burn out the excess calories, the Binge eaters, do not bother. As a result, Binge eaters are often overweight and self-centered. Monaghan (2008) explains that the sufferers of this condition tend to eat until they’re uncomfortable and their habits are often a disgust to themselves. As with the other two conditions Binge eating is more prevalent among women than men affecting approximately 2% of the American population (Monaghan, 2008).The habits are likely to make one obese or morph into depression in the long term, subsequently paving way for advanced health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure cancer and heart diseases. Monaghan (2008) advises that, to alleviate the challenges that come with Binge eating, it is important for the affected persons to seek the assistance of qualified health professionals like psychologists and psychiatrists. Further, the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (2013) counsels that the use of drug therapy (antidepressants and antipsychotics) along with psychotherapy can go a long way in bailing out the sufferers of this condition. Prejudice in Sporting Activities McMahon and Penney (2012) cite swimming as one of the sports where leanness of one’s body is key. The two, note that most of the female athletes immersed in this game are more likely to develop some eating disorder in an attempt to remain slim. Slimming is viewed as the most vital winning strategy in this sport hence both the competitors and their fans place a high premium on weight loss (Howells & Grogan, 2012). It, therefore, goes without saying that in this noble sport, the overall body regulation is a key factor in enhancing perfection and excellent performance at large. Further, Howells & Grogan (2012) argue that, quite often than not, the performance and competence of an athlete is pegged on the attainment of certain and specific body characteristics touching on both shape and weight. According to the pair, body image is basically the perceptions, by an individual, about his or her body, as such, they contend that an individual’s perception about their own body could dramatically affect their performance in a given sport and consequently overall wellbeing. On the contrary, McMahon and Penney (2012) warn that this culture and possibly misguided believes can be counterproductive on the life of the athlete as well as their performance. Richardson and Locks (2014) support the view that sport is generally believed to work for the betterment of the overall body health and image. Conversely, they argue, research of the efficacy of sporting activities remain inconclusive and sometimes out rightly contradictory. The two, further explain sport goes against the existing hegemonic models with particular regard to feminists at large. This is because traditionally and culturally, the female body is subject to physical appearance and sexual appeal. On this front alone, ladies are likely to be more obsessed with aesthetics as opposed to functionality when it comes to their bodies, explains (Howells & Grogan, 2012).They observe that, a body’s functionality is more of a masculine characteristic and this may be off-putting especially among adolescent girls who remain conscious of their feminine charm. On the converse, boys are likely to have more positive response in terms of body-functionality especially in regard to performance in sports and exercise than their female counterparts (Monaghan, 2008). This scenario presents a dilemma, to female elites, when striking a balance between aesthetically appealing bodies and thin ones required optimizing performance in the field (McMahon and Penney, 2012). The need to present a dual identity among ladies – athlete and a woman- to fit in the sporting environment that is generally masculine and also survive in the social arena where feminity is an aesthetic affair remains a tall order. McMahon and Penney (2012) opine that the vulnerability and exposure experienced by young girls, especially adolescents, and while in swimming costumes can be overwhelming in terms of self-consciousness. During this period, the two argue, teenagers are more likely to be apprehensive about sporting activities that aim at fat reduction and on the other hand enhance the development of muscular backs and thighs in pursuit of optimum performance. Unlike the older women, whose self-esteem is more tied to life accomplishments, a young woman’s self-esteem is primarily pegged on appearance. The show by young women, will consequently be affected a great deal by the frequency of swimming (Howells & Grogan, 2012). On the other hand, regular swimmers are likely to have fewer reservations and hence better placed to shine in their performance. McMahon and Penney (2012) argue that, there exists open discrimination against elite swimmers who seem to gain weight. The prejudice, they explain, often leaves the competitors questioning their self-esteem. In one classic case, an elite swimmer who happens to be female, gains weight by a mere 0.15kilograms. It is reported that, her managers become critical and out rightly question her focus and commitment to the team. Such criticism only serves to kill the fighting spirit of the poor swimmer. Matters are further compounded by the fact that the lion’s share of the athletes prefer to keep the harrowing experiences to themselves (Howells & Grogan, 2012). This, they argue is in an attempt to preserve loyalty to their coaches. Additionally, there is a feeling of insecurity and athletes fear that their identity may be exposed hence do not feel free to be part of any research (McMahon & Penney, 2013). Conclusion In sum, there is need to look into the various aspects that are likely to have a bearing on the body size of shape with respect to individuals as well as gender. Arguably, specific studies have got to be done with a clear focus on adolescents, especially females. This is entirely because, it is at this stage, that women realize their feminine aesthetic values (Richardson & Locks, 2014). For detailed results to be realized, there is need to give careful thought to all aspects involved in research including the methods of data collection employed. Besides, there is need to adopt a multidimensional approach as size and shape traits are increasingly becoming products of biological and social concerns. The limits could better be addressed through post-structuralism. No doubt, by so doing, we’ll be able to salvage future generations from embarrassments and prejudices arising from skewed social expectations! References McMahon, J.A. & Penney, D. (2013). (Self-) Surveillance and (self-) regulation: Living by fat numbers within and beyond a sporting culture. Qualitative Research in Sport Exercise and Health, 5 (2)157-178 Howells, K. & Grogan, S. (2012). Body Image and the Female Swimmer: Muscularity but in Moderation. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 4, 98-116. McMahon, J., Penney, D., & Dinan-Thompson, M. (2012). Body practices – Exposure and effect of a sporting culture? Stories from three Australian swimmers. Sport, Education and Society, 17(2), 181-206. Richardson, N. & Locks, A. (2014). Body Studies: The Basics. Chapter 2 (pp. 16-29). London: Routledge. Monaghan, L. (2008). Men and the war on obesity: A sociological study. Chapter 1, pp., 1-33. London: Routledge Alton, I. (2013). Eating disorders. Chapter 12, pp., 137-151. London U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2013). Eating disorders. National Institute of Health NIH publication No. 07-4901. Fine, B. (2011). Nutrition Assessment. London: Routledge. Read More