Body image is the subjective view of one’s own body. It is a complex construct where individuals risk severe mental health adversities due to negative body image.

Understanding the various disorders associated with it is essential to understanding the importance of acknowledging the struggles of body image. We discuss the disorders that have been researched over the years below.

Body dysmorphia

Body dysmorphia is a disorder usually emerging in the early teens. It is characterised by fixating on a personal flaw not necessarily visible to others. Among some examples are nose shape, face complexion, or breast size.

This perspective of self can affect individuals’ self-esteem and influence their thoughts and behaviour. It controls the way one may dress because of being extremely self-conscious. Believe that others are also fixated on the flaw and, as a result, become inclined to avoid social situations. There is a tendency to seek medical treatments to “fix” the perceived defect due to a perfectionistic tendency while disregarding the possible dangers.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders usually emerge due to wanting to fit society’s body standards. In the case of a condition like a binge eating, it arises from using eating as a form of unhealthy coping mechanism. Similar to how binge drinking is a maladaptive coping mechanism used by some.

Disorders of this nature arise during the teenage years or early adulthood and expose the individual to the risks of severe long-term health issues and, in the worst cases, even death.

There are three forms of eating disorders:

  • Anorexia nervosa– The individuals diagnosed with anorexia starve themselves for long durations of time and obsessively control their caloric intake if they do eat. It arises from a need to maintain weight and eventually results in severe anxiety surrounding food intake, which ultimately is the cause of maladaptive control over one’s food intake. This disorder risks the individual suffering from malnutrition and eventual death if left untreated.

  • Bulimia Nervosa- In bulimia, the individual purges the body by inducing vomiting or using laxatives after episodes of binging food. Over time, they risk severe dehydration, chronic gastric issues, and heart-related diseases.

  • Binge Eating- In binge eating, excessive amounts of food is consumed over a short time. It is a maladaptive coping mechanism and is viewed as an emotional outlet. They often risk suffering from obesity and other health problems such as type 2 diabetes or stroke.

Body-related disorders, especially eating disorders, have a genetic origin. Careful history-taking and consultation with mental health professionals help diagnose and treat the disorders and their possible co-morbidities (i.e. anxiety, depression, etc.).

Body image-related disorders have gained significant awareness over the years through rigorous research. There has been progress in learning what interventions work to treat the conditions. Interventions include medications, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, psychotherapy, and nutrition counselling. The earlier the interventions, the better the prognosis for a positive body view of the self.

Importance of Professional Counseling: A friend or family member may listen to you, but they aren’t professionally, technically qualified or experienced to offer you professional advice. If you wish you can contact us at MindTribe to receive help from our team of expert psychologists.

About MindTribe.in.

MindTribe Founder Dr. Prerna Kohli, India’s eminent psychologist, established the company to leverage the strength of the online to make counseling affordable and accessible to everyone. MindTribe provides counseling, workshops, support groups, forums, and eLearning.

About the Author.

K. Nivedita is a psychologist at MindTribe.in.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of MindTribe.in, the Founders, or management team.

Acknowledgement: All images used are open source and from Unsplash.