Morals on a Plate: How the rise of Functional Medicine Shaped Body Image
Welcome back to the Millennial Body Image Project, where we delve into the evolving landscape of body image and nutrition. Today, we explore a crucial topic: the rise of functional medicine and celebrity doctors, and their lasting impact on how we perceive our bodies and the entire nutrition field. From the early 2000s to the 2010s, we've witnessed a dramatic shift, and now, we find ourselves in a complex web of health-related trends.
The Rise of Morality in Food
In recent decades, food has become more than just sustenance; it has transformed into a moral choice. Historically, achieving thinness was the ultimate goal, often driven by vanity. However, the emergence of terms like "you are what you eat" has infused morality into our food choices. With the rise of celebrity doctors and influential figures such as Dr. Oz, Michael Pollan, and Andrew Weil, food began to carry weighted messages about our personal health and moral standing, creating an environment where every meal becomes an ethical decision.
The 2010s: You Are What You Eat
During the 2010s, phrases like "you are what you eat" and "food is medicine" became popular, urging individuals to take their health into their own hands. Documentaries like "Supersize Me" and the contrast between nutritious food and unhealthy options added pressure to navigate an overwhelming "nutrition jungle." The bombardment of dietary information and the morality associated with food choices cultivated a generation prone to disordered eating habits.
Health as a Personal Responsibility
This shift in perception placed the responsibility of health firmly on individuals. However, the American food system's flaws and limited access to fresh, affordable food complicate this personal responsibility. Despite this, the self-blame continues, driven by the societal expectation to make "better" food choices without considering socioeconomic factors and food deserts. The associated guilt and shame are significant components of this complex narrative.
Functional Medicine and Body Image
The rise of functional and integrative medicine brought a more holistic approach to health. While these practices offer a deeper understanding of personal health, they also perpetuate the belief that one's body size is intrinsically linked to health. This viewpoint reinforces the toxic idea that smaller is healthier, fueling an endless cycle of restriction and moral judgment around food choices.
Orthorexia: An Unintended Consequence
Interestingly, the rise of orthorexia—a fixation on "healthy" eating—can be traced back to these trends. The obsession with food purity and the avoidance of "harmful" foods results in restrictive eating patterns, all under the guise of health and wellness. This creates an environment where food serves as a proxy for self-worth, intricately tied to body image and societal acceptance.
Breaking Free from the Nutrition Jungle
As we reflect on these developments, it's clear why millennials face such confusion about food and nutrition. The convergence of functional medicine, societal pressures, and a broken food system has left many feeling lost and overly self-critical about their dietary choices. It's crucial to untangle these beliefs and create a healthier relationship with food and body image.
We invite you to share your experiences and insights on navigating this complex landscape. Whether you are just beginning to question these narratives or have long overcome these struggles, your stories are invaluable in shaping a more supportive community. Connect with us and others on this journey—whether via social media or within our Patreon community—to discuss and explore paths toward a more flexible, informed approach to health and wellness.
As we move forward, let's remember that food serves as nourishment, not judgment, and our value extends far beyond our dietary choices and body size. Let's strive for balance and support each other in this ongoing journey.
