With body image, sometimes you need to avoid believing your lying eyes. That’s right. Sometimes a person’s body image has nothing to do with reality. That’s especially true when you start an exercise program or during weight loss. A person with a healthy body image sees what’s in the mirror. Sometimes the mental image is even better. For example, studies show that many people have an improved body image just a week or two into an exercise program, even though there aren’t any visible changes. Unfortunately, that’s not true of everyone.
People often see themselves as completely different from their true appearance.
Body image isn’t necessarily about reality. It’s all about what you think you look like. People with eating disorders may be thin or have a pound or two to lose, but in their eyes, look extremely obese. Your mental image of yourself isn’t just about your weight, it can focus on facial appearance, height, or other physical features. Since society is often focused on weight, it’s normally where the dysphoria starts.
Do you see yourself as fatter, thinner, or the same?
When you’re losing weight, your body image can be your best friend or worst enemy. If you’re trying to shed weight and need to do that, noticing positive changes is empowering. You’ll feel better and be more apt to stick with a weight loss program even when you see positive changes that don’t exist. People with a negative body image won’t see changes even if they do exist. It can cause the person to feel defeated and completely give up their plan for weight loss.
It’s all about your reason for losing weight or getting fitter.
If you are overweight and want to become healthier, you’ll probably improve your body image as you shed extra pounds. People who are seeking the approval of others and think weight loss will help or those who feel unworthy and want to be more acceptable won’t dismiss those feelings when they lose weight. Only addressing those issues will. You could look like a supermodel and still feel unworthy, finding another issue with your body to blame or desperately continuing weight loss beyond a point of safety.
- Unhappy people often go on crash diets to feel good. They spend hours at the gym in punishing workouts. It does cause weight loss but also stress, plus it never addresses the reason for the unhappiness.
- To improve your body image and have a healthier outlook and better outcome, identify your reasons for weight loss and avoid negative self-talk. Focus on what’s good about your body and do it frequently.
- If you’re depressed, you may find that regular exercise can help lift the blues, but for severe depression, always talk to a professional. Exercise and a healthy diet can only take you so far, a professional can help you get to the root of your problem.
- Don’t focus solely on weight loss or changes to your body. Instead, consider yourself a person who lost weight. Congratulate yourself for taking the action to make the changes, not the changes themselves.
For more information, contact us today at ProWeightLoss