It is a common question to ask whether body image causes eating disorders. Well, in this article, we intend to demystify how body image causes eating disorders.
To begin with what is body image? Body image is the perception you have about yourself physically. It goes further to how a person believes other people perceive them.
Eating disorder in simplest terms is where become mentally ill and you end up eating more or less and exercising more or less and reaching harmful limits.
In one way or another your body image can directly or indirectly influence this.
Main Aspects on Body Image
Perceptual
In simple terms, this is how you see yourself from your own perspective. While the perception might be wrong or right, it directly affects you.
For example, you can perceive yourself as too thin or too fat, too short or too tall.
Affective
This is the overall feeling about your body. Some people directly or indirectly hate or love how they look at the weight and size of their body organs.
Cognitive
This is more on thoughts. This is all in the mind on how you think you look like It goes further to you having ideas that you feel will make you feel better about yourself.
Behavioral
You adopt these behaviorsbecause of how you feel about your body. Some end up adopting harmful eating habits because of your body.
Why do you need to have a positive body image
Anytime you have a negative thought about how you look, you are likely to hate yourself and your body organs. A positive body image is very important for three main reasons
- It boosts your self-esteem as a person
- A positive body image helps you accept and love yourself unconditionally
- Your health habits are also positively influenced. This is because you are unlikely to end up with eating disorders that can be harmful to your body.
How to positively improve your body image
There are various ways that you can improve your body image without getting into destructive eating disorders. They include;
Self-acceptance
This entails appreciating your skills and talents and achievements. This will make you feel a better and a valuable person.
Avoid comparison
The moment you compare yourself to anyone you are likely to see faults in your body or organs. Therefore, avoid as much as you can be comparing yourself to others.
Adopt good eating habits
Avoid eating with a focus on your body weight rather focus on eating health meals that will boost your immunity.
Avoid negative talks
You are more likely to see weaknesses when you focus on negatives about your body. Further, talk positive and avoid any negative comments about your body.
Bottom Line
How you think and feel about your body can lead to either dieting or overfeeding. This can directly lead to eating disorders, which might lead to more harm. Seek Eating disorder treatment when you find yourself in such a state.
An Eating Disorder Treatment Therapy Centre can come in handy when you experience such as challenge as a person.
