Body Image And The Media
I’m often asked to provide quotes and commentary to the media about eating disorders and body image. Sometimes, I’m told where the interview will appear, and other times, (no laughing!), I find my words by periodically googling myself. Recently, I answered a reporter’s questions via email. I’m not sure if my words will appear in print, but I thought they might be of interest here, and I’d love your feedback on what I said. . . .
2) Why is comparison (with celebrities or people around us) so counterproductive?
3) How can you figure out what your own “ideal” body is?
I usually say that your natural weight is how much you would weigh if, over time, you ate in a balanced way (eating nutritious foods AND responding to food cravings), were eating primarily out of physical, rather than emotional hunger, ate when you were hungry and stopped when you were full, exercised regularly, but not compulsively, and refrained from food restriction, bingeing, purging, use of diet pills, enemas, laxatives, or other compensatory strategies.
4) Any tips for correcting negative thinking when it comes to body image?
I think it’s important to challenge the thoughts that suggest that body shape/size (or even appearance in general) determines happiness. I’ve worked with plenty of heavy, happy women, as well as plenty of women who are skinny and unhappy. We’re conditioned by the media to place way too much emphasis on body image in terms of where we think it will get us in life.
5) Are body image issues on the rise in the US? if so, why?
I think we’re seeing more issues among men, plus we continue to see eating disorder rates increasing, especially among younger and younger children. Media access is so available and immediate these days, and the images come to us through various forms. We now have people comparing themselves to their “friends” on Facebook. I’ve spoken with a number of women who avoid social events because they know that the pictures taken there will be posted on social media sites, which will stir up their body dissatisfaction.
6) How can our readers be more accepting of their bodies?
One of the best things I think people can do is learn about how the media distorts images to promote the ideal. The more we learn about cropping, airbrushing, etc., the more we realize that even the celebrities don’t look like themselves. Also, see attached (article I wrote on radical body acceptance) for more recommendations.
Eating Disorder Self Test. Take the EAT-26 self test to see if you might have eating disorder symptoms that might require professional evaluation. All answers are confidential.