Weight Management Counseling - Body Image

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At my current rotation, I led a weight management class on body image. In my preparation, I found a great article written by a psychotherapist who specializes in eating disorders who interviewed a sociologist who studied the body images of black and white female adolescents with different degrees of weight loss.
Important in any population with disordered eating habits, I think that body image and the psychology of food is especially interesting in the overweight and obese population.  It is the same old "chicken or the egg" argument - which came first? Disordered eating or poor body image. Even while leading the class, one student who had lost a significant amount of weight admitted that when she looked in the mirror, she saw herself at her heaviest weight - which is a risk factor for weight regain and therefore increased disease risk.
 For anyone who is interested in weight management counseling, I think that this article reiterates the interconnectedness of psychology and eating behaviors, and while we can offer up some tips, we also need to know when to refer a client to an HCP who can better meet their non-nutritional counseling needs.

Some pointers from my presentation:

Body image may be defined as our subjective perceptions, thoughts and feelings about the body, and how these are shaped through interactions with others and within a larger societal context (Fain, 2012).
Acknowledging your current body image, understanding how it was developed, accepting your appearance and adjusting to your “new” body are important steps in maintaining your weight loss
 
Working on a new, positive body image:
      Starts with your thoughts, and is expressed through your words
      Embrace and accept your body and your weight loss- Own it!
      Our bodies are a perfect creation. Respect it and treat it as such
      Become comfortable with the sight and appearance of your body as it is right now.
      Appreciate your body for its ability– each time you increase your time on the treadmill, make it up the stairs without getting out of breath or increase the weight or repetitions at the gym, give yourself a pat on the back!
Happy reading!
CR

Fain, J. (May 2012). Lose Weight, Gain Body Confidence? Not Necessarily, Says Purdue Researcher Sarah Mustillo. Accessed April 2013. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jean-fain-licsw-msw/body-image_b_1541946.html

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