Triggering (ED): Teens Overeating To Get Fat, Given Mass Support on YouTube

[FlyingTrue]

On YouTube I just happened to discover a problem affecting some perfectly healthy teenagers lately - a bunch of them are intentionally stuffing themselves and overeating with the goal to make themselves fat (possibly suffering from some eating/mental disorder maybe), and appallingly, they are supported and pushed on by other members on the site!

Just a few examples, a 17 year old girl, an 18 year old guy, and a 16 year old girl even going to the lengths of using an air pump to "inflate" herself to such a degree that she looks pregnant! (warning this content may be triggering for people with EDs):
http://www.youtube.com/user/summerchubbygirl
http://www.youtube.com/user/Chubkid18
http://www.youtube.com/user/MissTeenBelly

Don't you think there is a problem here?

[noise94]

People are always going to do stupid things to get attention.

[Nicole!]

This is very disturbing. I'm not understanding this either. I think America is really starting to lose it. Maybe Nicolas right and its for attention.

[ALLorNOTHINGforCHRIST]

that is just crazy I did not watch because I was afraid of being triggered, but there is just some things you do NOT do to get looked at this is one of them. Why the HECK are they being praised?

[Boobies]

Stupid people x.x

[savealife723]

Some of us will do anything for attention, and it's disturbing.
Some of us have an actual problem and I just think this is ridiculous.
They have the choice, and they choice to be unhealthy.
I can't even imagine.

[emma01]

Man I totally disagree with this! There are some TV shows where people will eat whatever they want to see how fat she can get, but it was done with the support of a professional who stepped in and told her when to stop as she was getting really unhealthy! I don't see why people would choose to be fat anyway??? I mean, sure they can go for it...but I wonder how many will regret it afterwards?

[Casey.]

Ugh. People are so stupid sometimes. Why would you choose to be overweight?

[Pelios]

They don't realize the people are laughing at them not with them.

[Boobies]

Originally Posted by México

They don't realize the people are laughing at them not with them.

I'm sure a lot of the people are perverted men though...

[PutYourHeartsUp]

I personally think they have some sort of issue making them do it. They need help.

[Rainbow Dash]

Wtf? I don't know if they've genuinely got an eating disorder of some sort or are just wanting attention :| I suppose if they're going this far to get attention there are probably a few mental health factors involved.

[Tara.]

Eh. People chosing to be overweight is the same as choosing to be underweight. Whatever. It's their body.

[PutYourHeartsUp]

People don't usually CHOOSE to be underweight, mostly it's the result of an eating disorder.

[TheNumber42]

I'm pretty sure this is actually a fetish, or at least the inspiration for it stemmed from one. People have been pumping up their stomachs with bicycle pumps for sexual satisfaction for awhile now.

[Tara.]

Originally Posted by TranquilChaos

People don't usually CHOOSE to be underweight, mostly it's the result of an eating disorder.

Ok. So if you're skinny it's because of an eating disorder but if you're fat it's for attention.

[Musical]

Originally Posted by TranquilChaos

People don't usually CHOOSE to be underweight, mostly it's the result of an eating disorder.

That statement is entirely false. Eating disorders can be anything from compulsive overeating to not eating anything at all, and you DON'T have to be thin to have an ED. I'm not trying to offend you or anything, so please do not feel that way...

(About the YouTube thing in general) But I think the whole thing is stupid. Why would you do that?!

[MegaMadness]

This is just disgusting. No one should be supporting this.

[SomebodyYouDon'tKnow]

I think it's a fetish sort of thing. If you read the comments, a lot of them are on the verge of being sexual in nature. Some people actually like being fat, or getting fat. It's not really any different than an obsession to get thin.

It is certainly stupid to encourage any sort of habit like this. But at the same time, I can't help but say that it's nice to see people appreciate fat, as dumb and cliche as that sounds. I'm sure most people can relate to living in a place where you feel underappreciated if you're not stick thin.

[TheNumber42]

Originally Posted by SomebodyYouDon'tKnow

I think it's a fetish sort of thing. If you read the comments, a lot of them are on the verge of being sexual in nature. Some people actually like being fat, or getting fat. It's not really any different than an obsession to get thin.

It is, it's nothing new. Been around for awhile.

[kitkat_kate]

Originally Posted by Avada Kedavra

Wtf? I don't know if they've genuinely got an eating disorder of some sort or are just wanting attention :| I suppose if they're going this far to get attention there are probably a few mental health factors involved.

I would assume there are mental health factors involved. After all, wanting attention is usually a sign of something more serious. It's kind of depressing to me that they would do that. I'm a larger person who has struggled with bouncing back and forth with an ED. Lose a lot, gain it back as I go into recovery, and start the cycle over. I think it's really hard for me to look at people who have such issues with food because I sympathize.

I hope the recognition this is getting can eventually kick them into getting help for whatever is causing these issues.

[BasicFacts]

... Why would anyone want to be fat?

[EyesWideShut]

It's a publicity stunt-like Lady Gaga

[CanadaCraig]

Hi Everyone!!

I hope you're having a super duper day.

TRUTH BE TOLD....

We ALL have 'mental - and/or emotional - health issues'.

That's just part of being human.

And YES! I'm talking to YOU!!

[And ME and YOU over there!! lol]

A so-called 'gainer's issue is just obvious. But don't kid yourself - just because most people have mastered the art of hiding their 'issue' - doesn't mean they haven't got one. [Or two or three or who knows how many]

We often make the mistake of praising people for their 'issue' just because it can be argued that it's 'good' or 'cool' or will 'someday become something great'. [And shame them IF that argument can't be made] Being super thin on purpose - for instance. OR maybe someone who exercises 5 hours a day - 7 days a week. We might pat that person on the back and say, "Good for YOU!". But that person is quite possibly harming their body - too. But because they 'look good' - we think it's OK.

I like what 'SomebodyYouDon'tKnow' said. [And I quote] "I'm sure most people can relate to living in a place where you feel under-appreciated if you're not stick thin." Amen to that. And THAT is quite likely the reason why 'we' do many of the things WE do in OUR life. WE might not be gaining weight on purpose - but I'm sure whatever we're doing - SOMEONE in this world would think is super SILLY. Human beings want SOME place in life. They want to fit in SOMEwhere. And if they can't be perfect [Which NONE of us can be] they might as well work on becoming especially good at being IMperfect.

That said - all of this is anchored on a universal delusion - one that tells us that unless we become 'perfect' - we will never truly be worthy of love. And THAT - my TeenHelp pals - is a horrible LIE to believe. For YOU are worthy of LOVE - no matter WHAT you look like. Our body - after all - is just the 'thing' WE get around in. It is NOT who we ARE!

GREAT BIG HUG
Craig!!