Most people are concerned in some way with their body image. This can become problematic if it leads to eating disorders, multiple plastic surgeries, or obsession[1]. These behaviors are addictive and can range in intensity, from bothersome to life threatening. Body image issues can occur with other addictions or can come about as a new problem during a recovery process. Unhealthy body image can also be an avoidance tactic for other issues[2].

 

Developing a healthy body image can be similar to treating other addictive behavioral issues[3]. The person must work to understand and change their existing beliefs about their body image and develop positive beliefs instead. The first step is to identify the problem. They must also identify triggers and create more adaptive coping skills.

 

The following behaviors are associated with body image issues (some may also overlap with symptoms of an eating disorder, which can be related).

 

• Severely restricting one’s caloric intake

• Eating only certain or safe foods

• Hording food, cook books, or recipes

• Weighing oneself multiple times per day

• The person’s mood and behavior depends on their weight, waist size, clothing sizes, or positive feedback on appearance

• Self-esteem nearly completely based on the individual’s looks or how they feel about their body on that particular day

• Pinching and/or measuring one’s body

• Binging (eating an excessive amount of food in a short period of time)

• Purging (self-induced vomiting, eating then restricting calories for days, laxative abuse, excessive exercising)

• Frequent comments about being ugly, fat, or not beautiful

• Multiple plastic surgeries

• Sudden weight loss/gain

 

“Body image problems can progress from going on a diet to an eating disorder or body dysmorphia in a relatively short period of time. Cultivating a healthy body image helps people feel more secure in themselves, their relationships, and navigate conflicts or daily stressors more effectively”[4].

 

 

 

[1] Cash, Thomas F., and Edwin A. Deagle, III. "The Nature and Extent of Body-image Disturbances in Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa: A Meta-analysis." International Journal of Eating Disorders 22.2 (1997): 107-26. Wiley Online Library. 6 Dec. 1998. Web. <http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/(SICI)1098-108X(199709)22:23.0.CO;2-J/abstract>.

[2], [3] Newell, Robert. "Body-image Disturbance: Cognitive Behavioural Formulation and Intervention." Journal of Advanced Nursing 16.12 (1991): 1400-405. Wiley Online Library. 22 Dec. 2006. Web. <http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2648.1991.tb01586.x/abstract>.

[4] "Gay Body Image Issues." PRIDE Institute. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://pride-institute.com/programs/lgbt-treatment/body-image-issues/>.