Understanding the World of Body Image Part 1

Dieting and Actual Body Image

The overly strong feeling that our bodies disappoint us, leave us feeling negative, and becomes an Obsessive behaviorist’s playground is understandable.  Given your personal experiences and observations within your family and close friends, you might have developed an idea as to whether your body shape is acceptable to others when you were a small child. It can often seem, from stories and personal testimonies, that dieting has a paradoxical effect on our relationship with food and our self-image. I hear that dieting can make food a central preoccupation and that this greatly effects self-esteem in a negative way (Paxton, S. J., 2020). Let's explore this a bit further together and consider some different perspectives and information on this topic.

First, it's essential to separate the idea of "dieting" in the traditional sense—which often involves restriction and an all-or-nothing attitude—from "healthy eating habits," which focus on balance and nourishment. Research shows that restrictive dieting can indeed lead to an unhealthy obsession with food and can be counterproductive (Fatima, C., 2021). This is often because diets that are too stringent can lead to feelings of deprivation and subsequent food cravings, which is what you might have experienced repeatedly through life.

However, not all approaches to changing eating habits necessarily lead to increased food obsession or negatively impact self-esteem and body image. For instance, many nutrition experts advocate for a balanced approach to eating that doesn't cast any food as inherently off-limits but rather focuses on moderation and variety. This can sometimes take the form of intuitive eating, where the emphasis is on listening to the body's hunger and fullness cues, rather than counting calories or restricting certain foods.

There is a history of body shaming, especially associated with women and children. Our Western Civilization dictates what is acceptable. When the “fashion police” say being skinny is the only acceptable body shape, this negates over 46% of all women in the EU, U.K. and USA.  It is no joke that our cultures allow for such bullying to take place. Countless girls and women live a life feeling as if they are not good enough. Feelings like this cause anxiety and feelings of failure. A discouraged person will not function at their best. Before a diet is even underway, the failure to adjust to the diet’s demands is a factor that many creators of diets do not consider. There is an assumption that any new diet will far exceed any past diet programs.

Poor body image is not just on women, either. Children experience peer abuse if overweight or underweight (although underweight is a fraction of the overweight, by comparison). The negative impact of body-shaming is enormous and can lead to depression, anxiety and panic disorders. Scariest is the self-inflicted harm and even suicidal tendencies you see in children/teens/adults who are not comfortable with their bodies.

Additionally, numerous studies have found that incorporating regular physical activity alongside a balanced diet not only aids in weight management but also improves mood and self-esteem—irrespective of weight loss. The psychological benefits of exercise are well-documented and include reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. There is a real Catch 22 in this, though. To exercise, most in cities must go to a gym. If a person has a negative self-image they won’t want to go where others can see them exercising. These two factor work against each other!

It's also worth noting that the concept of "food addiction" is a bit controversial in the scientific community. While certain eating behaviors can certainly resemble addictive patterns, the American Psychiatric Association has not yet officially recognized food addiction as a diagnosable condition.

Regarding body image, a focus on health and functionality over appearance can foster a positive self-image. A health-first perspective, celebrating what your body can do rather than how it looks, can shift the focus away from an unattainable ideal and toward personal well-being (Skilbeck, B., 2022).

I understand you might have had a tough time with dieting, and your time and self-esteem felt compromised. It's crucial to find a personalized approach that makes you feel good, both physically and mentally (Fatima, S.C.,2021). Perhaps a different approach to eating and health, one that emphasizes balanced nutrition and self-care, could feel less like a diet with its negative connotations and more like a sustainable lifestyle change.

In the end, it's about finding what works for you personally, where food is neither an obsession nor a source of anxiety but part of a holistic approach to health that includes physical, mental, and emotional well-being (Otto, L., 2022). It may help to consult a registered dietitian or a health care provider to discuss strategies tailored to your individual needs and experiences.

The many issues surrounding Body Image can make seeking help both confusing and negative. Turning to a doctor, nutritionist, trained therapist or dear friend can be an avenue that will help increase how you feel about yourself and your physical attractiveness. Making a plan that works to serve you as an individual can lead you in a direction to feel better about yourself and thus be able to make needed improvements to continue growing as a human.

 

References:

Fatima Cody-Stanford, M.D., M.P.H., M.P.A. (2021). Weight loss and women. Obesity Medicine & Nutrition, Massachusetts General Hospital Weight Center, Harvard Medical School. Retrieved from www.womenshealth.gov  on September 21, 2024

Otto, Laura. (2022). Experts dispel myths about body weight and being healthy. UWM REPORT, April 28, 2021. Retrieved from www.uwm.edu on September 23, 2024.

Paxton, S.J., Wertheim, E.H., Gibbons, K. (1991) Body image satisfaction, dieting beliefs, and weight loss behaviors in adolescent girls and boys. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01537402  on September 20, 2024.

Skilbeck, Bianca. (2022). 5 Myths and 5 Truths about Body Image, Food, and Weight. Freedom from Food – eating disorder center. November 08, 2022. Retrieved from www.freedomfromfood.com.au on September 20, 2024.