Distorted Body Image

Body Image Distortion

Dealing with Body Image Distortion

Let's face it; there are not many people who can say they are totally satisfied with their bodies. Whether the "problem" is a receding hairline, a large nose or the last ten pounds that refuse to budge, we all have a target area which we would love to change. But there are some individuals to whom body image is their primary concern. These individuals will go to extreme measures in dealing with their distorted body image view, often resulting in internal or external bodily harm.

Often distorted, body image is not just how we perceive our own physical appearance, but how we think others perceive us as well. In our society, the emphasis has been placed on well-toned, picture-perfect bodies. Our senses are assaulted with this message through advertising, entertainment, fashion and other means.

Body image distortion is something that can affect both males and females, although it is more commonly found in women. Many women feel the need to be as thin as those gracing the television, movie or fashion industry, and will often look at themselves as overweight whether they are or not. Men, on the other hand, want to be perfectly sculpted, with strong, muscular bodies. But in terms of distorted body image cases, men typically have a more realistic outlook on their current state. Even so, for both sexes, the desire to have the perfect body can often lead to dangerous eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia.

Self-Esteem and Body Image Distortion

Whereas body image is how we perceive our own body, self esteem is how we perceive our self-worth. With a distorted body image, it is certain that self esteem will suffer as well.

How we view ourselves is directly related to how we feel about ourselves, and vice versa. In fact, when body image distortions occur, it can lead to developing other emotional health issues like depression.

Body Image Distortion and Eating Disorders

Our culture has promoted thinness to symbolize good health, control, liberation, assertiveness and an affiliation with a higher socioeconomic class. As girls enter puberty, they are at risk of developing an eating disorder due to distorted body image issues resulting from these misconceptions. Dieting can become a preoccupation in women and some may even personally choose to develop a condition like bulimia in an effort to control their weight and their lives. Perhaps saddest of all is that our society regards eating disorders as "normal" and acceptable behavior, as long as it is in the pursuit of thinness. This type of cultural acceptance makes dealing with distorted body image and eating disorders extremely difficult.

While anyone can develop an eating disorder, some people are at a higher risk than others. Those at high risk include:

• People, who work in an industry that demands thinness, like acting, modeling, dancing, etc.
• Athletes, especially those in wrestling, running, cycling, swimming, gymnastics and cheerleading
• People suffering from depression
• Survivors of sexual abuse
• Children of alcoholic parents or high-achievers
• Girls who have fathers who simultaneously avoid them and are critical of their weight
• Children of parents who diet or talk about dieting constantly

Treating Body Image Distortion

The best way to avoid eating disorders developed from distorted body image is to educate children early on to accept their bodies. In fact, it is recommended that parents should avoid focusing on or discussing certain eating disorders when talking to their children, as bringing the disorders to light can actually result in the child considering to attempt them. Again, while we all have some minor body image distortion issues, especially teens, the key is to keep them from turning to or away from food as a solution.

If you or someone you love has a distorted body image and has developed an eating disorder, seek eating disorder treatment immediately. Keep in mind, there is no one eating disorder treatment program that is perfect for everyone and some are better than others. When looking for eating disorder treatment, compare the services available with the treatment needs of the patient.