Weight and Body Image

“An individual’s worth cannot be determined by their looks or weight” is an advice given to everyone, but applied by only a handful of people. Most of the women suffering from eating disorders believe happiness can only be achieved by obtaining pencil-thin bodies. However, the sad truth is, losing weight does not mean that one will get zapped with beauty and happiness in an instant. A large number of women are diagnosed with anorexia and bulimia every year, not only is the rate alarming, but it also shows the radius of the influence of media. Besides media, another trigger to the problem is women’s incapability to accept themselves for who they are.

Eating disorders can be overcome by taking professional help. However, true recovery is only achieved by loving and being comfortable in your own skin. Therefore, hours of therapy is not enough. What women truly need is an attitude make-over to prevent them from relapsing and developing such disorders to begin with. The image of women in the media is unrealistic, not to mention ludicrous, which makes it important for women to take a stand and avoid conforming to it. Instead of working to be thin or bringing down their weight to a certain level, women should try to take on a healthier lifestyle. The healthier you are, the happier and more beautiful you are going to feel.

Source:

Jeanne Segal & Melinda Smith. Eating Disorders. http://www.helpguide.org/mental/eating_disorder_treatment.htm