Brooke C. Wheeler

In the following viewpoint, Brooke C. Wheeler contends that the problem of eating disorders—anorexia in particular—has been steadily growing among American women since the 1930s. She maintains that the constant barrage of media images featuring extremely thin models and actresses causes young women of normal weights to think of themselves as fat; consequently, some take drastic measures to lose weight. Wheeler is a writer and the associate editor of Macworld online.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What age group is developing eating disorders at the fastest rate, as cited by Wheeler"

2. What evidence does the author provide that fashion magazines affect women’s self-images"

3. Why is dieting not the solution to America’s obesity problem, according to the author? In one of the most...