Hilaria Baldwin says she started dieting at age 5. It's not uncommon
USA Today • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Hilaria Baldwin revealed she began dieting at age 5 and has struggled with various eating disorders, including anorexia and bulimia, highlighting the early onset of disordered eating in some individuals.
- Experts note that eating disorders affect about 14 million people worldwide annually, with 3 million being children and adolescents, and research shows 20% of children exhibit signs of disordered eating.
- Despite progress against toxic diet culture, concerns remain about a resurgence of the "thin ideal," which can increase the risk of eating disorders, especially among children facing social pressures.
- Baldwin emphasizes empowering her children by focusing conversations on food's effects on strength and well-being rather than appearance, aiming to counteract harmful diet culture messaging.
- Experts advise avoiding comments on appearance, as they reinforce harmful beliefs that self-worth is tied to body image, which can perpetuate pain and disordered eating behaviors.
