Eating, though a simple task we must do to survive, is a personal and sensitive concept for some. Everyone enjoys different foods, has different habits and relationships with food. With social media and societal standards, feeling comfortable commenting on others' food choices has become somewhat normal. Food has the potential to impact everyone’s mental health differently, and it's essential not to judge others' food habits.
Eating disorders are most prevalent in young adults. A study compiled of 1,362 college students ages 18-24 found that high levels of anxiety can correlate with disordered eating. 8% of the group stood out for having high anxiety and disordered eating, and of these individuals, 70% were women.
It's a pretty common consensus that you shouldn’t comment on other people’s weight or appearance, including weight loss or gain. Singer Nessa Barrett said that even the word “healthy” isn’t easy for her to hear. She’s been recovering from an eating disorder and explained back in 2023 how, to her mind, it isn’t taken beneficially and rather it causes her to “want to spiral.” Her mind correlates being called sick with comfort. Everyone thinks differently and interprets comments in varying ways. Appearance is something we’ve somewhat begun to understand not to discuss, and food should be grouped into this.
The internet is filled with people showing what they eat in a day. Oftentimes, this could be a fitness influencer aiming to demonstrate a healthier lifestyle. It may also be someone just looking to share their everyday food. This opens a window to people being able to analyze others' food choices and maybe even critique themselves a bit more. It holds a false mirror on what someone should be eating, when everyone has varying needs. Social media has the potential to add another layer of pressure when it comes to eating habits. It further demonstrates how much food is wrapped into society, and how this is harmful to mental health overall.
There are also many different types of eating struggles and disorders. Some are more discussed and known than others. They aren’t all about eating less; they can also cause someone to be more selective with their food and their lifestyle habits. These are some things to consider when potentially critiquing someone’s food choices and patterns.
Women are held to a strict standard in everyday life. They are expected to be polite and smile, but they are also expected to look perfect. This is intertwined with beauty standards, which are pushed by the media. The beauty standards placed on women can connect to mental struggles if women are constantly being told they aren’t good enough; they are susceptible to developing unhealthy habits to appeal to beauty standards.
Overall, eating comes down to personal preference and personal experience. Mental health and eating habits are connected, and commenting on one's food choices or amount can impact them and their habits, even if it isn’t meant to be rude. People are held to many standards on how they should act and look, especially women, and food doesn’t have to be a standard. Young adults and college students are susceptible to so much stress in everyday life. Don’t critique someone else’s eating habits unless there is genuine worry behind it because everyone’s relationship to food is different.
Kyra Dapore is a senior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Kyra know by emailing her at kd364521@ohio.edu.
