William Withey Gull studied paraplegia, anorexia, and hormones as a physician in England during the nineteenth century. In addition to caring for patients, he described the role of the posterior column of the spinal cord in paraplegia, and he was among the first to describe the conditions of anorexia and of hypochondria. He also researched the effects of thyroid hormone deficiencies in women who had malfunctioning thyroid glands. Gull's research on thyroid hormone confirmed that chemicals in the body directly affect health, and he contributed to the foundation of endocrinology, the scientific field for the study of hormones.
This paper focuses on the relationship between modern beauty ideals in today’s society and its catalyzation and/or effect on perpetuating eating disorders in young females. Further, this paper utilizes a primary case study to propose a more accurate and modernized approach to disordered eating – specifically anorexia-nervosa. A review of the literature on modern beauty in the present day in association with eating disorders was conducted and further utilized in conjunction to conduct research on eating disorder symptomatology, the prevailing gaps surrounding disordered eating, a more renewed way towards recovery, and further recommended insights for external groups. Although much of the long-established research pertaining to eating disorder recovery stands at a general level to advocate traditional recovery methods, what still lacks is the increasing correlation between the vulgarity of modern beauty standards and its role in recovery. As evident through primary and secondary sources of literature, this paper attempts to address the growing gaps in scholarly research pertaining to the lack of recovery recourse and further delineates and analyzes a few research questions. With this being said, the case study in this paper arguably amplifies the strong reproach for a more relatable recovery discourse from an autobiographical point of view and advocates for additional research to be completed regarding diagnostic management. The findings of my research have resulted in a six-step recovery model for individuals struggling with disordered eating and will be further supported by documentary analysis.