Summer is upon us which means that as the temperature increases, our hem lines start to shorten and more skin starts showing. I remember seeing the old 'Cathy' comic strip and the anxiety she felt around swim suit season. The comic strip gives us a good laugh, as many of us identify with her, but for some with body image disorders this time of year can evoke serious feelings of depression and anxiety.
According to the National Eating Disorders Association, the average American woman is 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighs 140 pounds. The average American model is 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighs 117 pounds. While most of us know that models have strict (and often very unhealthy) diets, the images of their waif like bodies bombard us on commercials, billboards and magazine covers on a daily basis.
Many of us work hard to maintain a healthy grasp on our weight by diet and exercise, and may wonder when diet and exercise can turn into an eating disorder. The National Eating Disorder Association states that "eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder include extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding weight and food issues and in the United States over 10 million females and 1 million males struggle with eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia." Examples of extreme attitudes and behaviors can include (but are not limited to): severe calorie restriction (under 1500 a day), compulsive exercising, purposefully avoiding food when hungry and vomiting after eating.
According to the National Eating Disorders Association, the average American woman is 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighs 140 pounds. The average American model is 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighs 117 pounds. While most of us know that models have strict (and often very unhealthy) diets, the images of their waif like bodies bombard us on commercials, billboards and magazine covers on a daily basis.
Many of us work hard to maintain a healthy grasp on our weight by diet and exercise, and may wonder when diet and exercise can turn into an eating disorder. The National Eating Disorder Association states that "eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder include extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding weight and food issues and in the United States over 10 million females and 1 million males struggle with eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia." Examples of extreme attitudes and behaviors can include (but are not limited to): severe calorie restriction (under 1500 a day), compulsive exercising, purposefully avoiding food when hungry and vomiting after eating.
Young females are especially susceptible to eating disorders, so parents should keep an open dialogue with their children surrounding their attitudes on weight and food issues. Emphasizing healthy eating and exercise is recommended over calorie counting and diet fads. Making healthy eating and exercising a family activity also helps children not feel singled out in dealing with any weight issues they may be struggling with.
There are numerous resources available to help you evaluate whether or not you need to make life style changes surrounding diet or exercise. Utilize these resources or consult with a professional in this field, such as a physician, dietitian or a personal trainer. However, if you feel emotionally overwhelmed about your weight and have concerns that you have reached an unhealthy level of obsession surrounding your diet and exercise, please consult a mental health professional.
Learning to love all your body can do can be a life long struggle, and it begins with working on your self esteem and loving yourself. Work with your body, not against it!
