An Integrated Model of Diet 283Social normsEating behavior takes place within a social context which offers a strong
basis for what is considered normal and abnormal. These social norms are
central to the creation and perpetuation of many eating-related attitudes
and behaviors.
- Food choice and preferences are influenced by the eating behavior of
important others such as parents, peers, and media images. - Media norms of attractiveness influence what is considered the desirable
body size and shape, and may result in body dissatisfaction. - Family and cultural norms of both body size and eating behavior
influence body dissatisfaction. - Dieting has become the acceptable solution to body dissatisfaction
through the impact of the media and the dieting industry. This norm
perpetuates dieting behavior. - Social norms of attractiveness contribute towards the discrimination and
negative stereotypes of the obese and overweight. - Media images of the obese contribute to the belief that obesity is a self-
inflicted state which is caused by overeating. This perception influences
the stigma both felt and enacted towards the obese. - Peer influence and social support can be used to modify eating behavior
in the obese. - Thinness is a socially desirable state. Reinforcement of weight loss
through praise and attention can perpetuate food avoidance in those
with a tendency towards disordered eating. - Food avoidance can be both a socially normal and abnormal state.
Reinforcement can also perpetuate behavior in those with a tendency
towards disordered eating. - Peer influence and social support can be used to reestablish normal eat-
ing patterns in those with eating disorders. - Modeling of nurses’ normal behavior is used in the inpatient treatment
of anorexics to encourage healthy eating behavior and attitudes.
BiologyBiological factors are central to many explanations of eating and
eating-related problems. Biology influences eating behavior, health, and
illness.