Normal Versus Distorted Body Image &
How It Affects Weight Loss
Body Image, Body Shape
Body image and body shape are important
factors in weight control. The self-image we have of the size, shape and
weight of our body determines many things - not least our attitude to
dieting and weight loss. Unfortunately, many of us have an unreasonably
negative view of our body size and shape. As a result:
- We aim for an unreasonably low weight
- almost guaranteeing failure.
- We try to lose weight too fast - almost
guaranteeing failure.
- We try fad diets and other bogus weight
loss products.
- We convey our negative body image to
our children.
- We set ourselves up for eating disorders
and malnutrition.
Moral
Before trying yet another diet or weight loss product, try to improve
your body image.
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US Research into Body Image & Shape
Research into body image by Kellogg's Corporation
reveals that women typically base their perceptions of their body shape
on the size and shape of models and TV/Hollywood stars, rather than on
the size and shape of ordinary women.
For example, the estimated 'average'
American woman [5 feet 4 inches] weighs 138 pounds, while the estimated
'average' model [5 feet 9/10 inches] weighs a mere 120 pounds.
No wonder an estimated 95 percent of women
and 33 percent of men have complaints about their shape and have such
a negative body image. How can they compete with the perfect body and
shape of a supermodel?
UK Research Into Body Image & Shape
Recent UK research into perceptions people
have of their body image and shape, show that:
- UK women are up to 10 times more likely
than men to be unhappy with their body image. This negative perception
persists even when women are a healthy weight for their height, according
to a new survey.
- Just 1% of young UK women were "completely
happy" with the shape of their body and that one in ten had taken
drugs to try to achieve their ideal weight.
Distorted Body Image & Shape in US
Teenagers and Pre-Teens
- Reports indicate that children as young
as 5 years old are becoming concerned, even obsessed, with their weight
and shape. Indeed, eating disorders and significantly disordered eating
attitudes and behaviors are appearing in pre-teens and teens at an increasing
rate.
- According to US estimates from The National
Institute of Mental Health, between 5 per cent and 10 per cent of girls
and women (i.e. 5-10 million people) and 1 million boys and men suffer
from eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder,
or other associated dietary conditions.
- Estimates suggest that as many as 15
percent of young women adopt unhealthy attitudes and behaviors about
food.
Give Yourself A Chance! Improve Your Body
Image
You may not be able to change your frame-size
or body shape. You may even have difficulty dieting. But you CAN change
your body image. For example:
- Stop comparing yourself with models
or film stars.
- Stop focusing on the body areas you
don't like - look at ALL your body.
- Get active - both physically and mentally.
Busy, occupied people have less time to worry about body image and shape
than those with time on their hands.
- Appreciate the things you have, rather
than focusing on the things (including small butt, long thin legs) you
don't have.
- When trying to lose weight, have REASONABLE
weight-loss expectations and avoid buying diet products that promise
'miracle' results. There are no miracle results in dieting and weight
control!
Sources include:
The National Institute of Mental Health.
BBC Health.
UK Health Service. |
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