Eating disorders are so prominent in Americans but at what age do children notice their bodies and try to change themselves?

I can remember when I started to notice my body and how it was different. I was around 13 years old and suddenly was no longer comfortable with myself. I didn't want to wear a bathing suit anymore and wasn't used to my new shape. Most girls and boys start to notice their body when they hit puberty. The main reason they start to notice it is because their bodies are changing shape. Girls start to gain weight on their hips and boys start to grow rapidly. The body can change so fast that you may not feel secure in your body. Everyone develops differently and at separate paces.
The media is a big part of American society and influences how children think and feel. Children start to notice models and celebrities' bodies and how they may not match up to them. This can cause a negative self image where one might obsess about their body. Negative self image can last just through puberty or it can last as long as adulthood. These feelings may cause one to overeat or not eat enough. There are no age limits on eating disorders. They can develop at anytime and can drastically effect one's lifestyle and health.







http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/changing_body/puberty.html#
http://www.sexualityandu.ca/sexual-health/all-about-puberty/my-body-and-puberty