Anorexia Nervosa: Cultural and Social Dynamıcs in Western, Asian, African, and Middle Eastern Societies

Year 2025, Volume: 6 Issue: 1, 123 - 137, 01.07.2025

Hande Kaplan , Kader Bahayi

https://doi.org/10.70029/esbd.1625437

Abstract

Eating disorders are pathological conditions in which individuals’ healthy eating behaviors are severely disrupted. Among these disorders, Anorexia Nervosa (AN) stands out as one that can lead to the most fatal consequences. AN is characterized by a distorted body image, fear of gaining weight, and an intense desire to lose weight. Symptoms of this disorder may include extreme dieting, excessive exercise, and sometimes vomiting or the use of laxatives.
Cultural and social dynamics play a significant role in the development of AN. In Western societies, a slim body shape is idealized due to the influence of the media and the fashion industry. Mass media, such as social media, TV shows, movies, and advertisements, can negatively affect individuals’ body perception. The prevalence of AN is higher in Western societies, particularly in the United States and Europe. The media and fashion industry frequently associate thinness with success and beauty, which may contribute to the development of AN.
In Asian societies, traditional beauty ideals have started to change under the influence of Western culture. In Japan and South Korea, popular culture and the media emphasize having a slim body. In these cultures, the prevalence of AN, particularly among university students, has been increasing. The development of AN in Asia is influenced not only by the impact of Western culture and media but also by traditional family structures, societal norms, and academic achievement pressures. However, while the prevalence of AN in Asia is lower than in the West, modernization and globalization are increasing these rates.
In African and Middle Eastern societies, AN has a lower prevalence compared to Western societies. In African cultures, a fuller body is traditionally considered a sign of health and prosperity, although urbanization and globalization are changing this perception. Additionally, in the Middle East, religious norms and rituals may make it difficult to recognize the symptoms of AN. Religious practices such as fasting may overlap with the symptoms of AN and delay individuals from seeking professional help.
In conclusion, AN is not only a biological and psychological disorder but is also influenced by cultural and social factors. This study highlights how AN is shaped by cultural and social dynamics in the West, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. In this context, AN is presented as an issue that arises not only from individual experiences but also from the value systems and social structures of societies. Understanding cultural differences can contribute to the development of more effective and culturally sensitive treatment approaches for AN.

Keywords

Anorexia Nervosa , Diagnosis , Treatment , Cultural Differences , Social Dynamics

Anoreksiya Nervoza: Batı, Asya, Afrika Ve Orta Doğu Toplumlarında Kültürel Ve Sosyal Dinamikler

Abstract

Anoreksiya Nervoza (AN), beden algısında bozulmalara ve aşırı zayıflama isteğine sebep olan bir yeme bozukluğudur. Bu yeme bozukluğu, genellikle Batı toplumlarıyla ilişkilendirilir. Ancak, küreselleşme, kentleşme ve medyanın etkisiyle bu bozukluk, Asya, Afrika ve Orta Doğu toplumlarında da giderek yaygınlaşmaktadır. Her bir kültür, AN’nin ortaya çıkış biçimlerini, prevalansını ve klinik sunumunu farklı şekillerde etkilemektedir. Batı toplumlarında AN, genellikle medya, moda endüstrisi etkisi ve ideal vücut algısı ile ilişkilendirilir.  Bu gibi toplumlarda, güzellik ve başarı ile ince bir vücut yapısı arasında doğrudan bir ilişki olduğu kabul edilir. Asya’da ise topluluk merkezli kültür, akademik baskılar ve aile değerleri bu bozukluğun seyrini şekillendirmektedir. Bunun yanı sıra kozmetik sektörü ve pop kültürünün, zayıflığı idealleştirmesi AN’nin Asya toplumlarında görülme sıklığını etkilediği söylenebilir. Afrika ve Orta Doğu’da ise oruç gibi dini ritüel ve inanışlara ek olarak, değişen geleneksel güzellik algıları ve sosyal yapı bu hastalığın tanınmasını, ortaya çıkışını ve tedavisini etkilemektedir. Bu makale, farklı kültürel ve sosyal bağlamlarda AN’nin dinamiklerini kapsamlı bir şekilde ele almayı ve incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır.

Keywords

Anoreksiya Nervoza , Tanı , Tedavi , Kültürel Farklılıklar , Sosyal Dinamikler

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