Here we go again, the holidays are over and I feel unsettled with my weight. I’m not obese, but overweight — Yes!
Being a full-time work-at-home writer has its advantages and disadvantages. I’m grateful that I can still do this in 2023, but it comes at a price.
While in between writing, I walk my dogs and play with them. I also do a lot of household chores. Most times I’m in front of the computer, reading, and writing — yes, nibbling on chips and snacks.
After losing 20 pounds by doing what I know works for my body and that is to go low-carb, I have gained back 10 pounds which I feel I need to lose fast.
But am I experiencing body dysmorphia or is losing weight a health concern or vanity?
How to Overcome the Struggles of Body Dysmorphia
Body dysmorphia is a condition that can be extremely difficult to overcome. (Please Seek Professional HELP.)
Those who suffer from it often see themselves as different from how they really are, and this can lead to a great deal of anxiety and insecurity. If you’re struggling with body dysmorphia, there are some things you can do to ease your symptoms and start feeling better about yourself.
Disclaimer: I’m not a health professional and what you are reading is my opinion only and the information shared is from the Internet that is readily verifiable. Thank you.
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychiatric disorder in which people become obsessed with a slight imperfection or nonexistent body “flaw.” People may commonly refer to this as body dysmorphia. — Healthline
Body Dysmorphia vs Dysphoria: What’s the difference?
Body dysmorphia and dysphoria are both conditions that can cause distress and dissatisfaction with one’s body. However, they are two different conditions.
Body dysmorphia is a form of body image disturbance where a person has obsessive thoughts that their body is deformed or misshapen. On the other hand, dysphoria is a feeling of dissatisfaction with one’s sex or gender.
Body Dysmorphia And Gender Dysphoria
A significant difference between body dysmorphic disorder and gender dysphoria is that body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition, where gender dysphoria is not.
Don’t like ads? Become a supporter and enjoy The Good Men Project ad freeGender dysphoria refers to a sense of unease that a person may have if their true gender identity and biological sex don’t align. Gender identity is the sense of gender that a person has about themselves, which may or may not be the same as their biological sex at birth.
What Is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
Body dysmorphic disorder or BDD is a mental health condition that’s diagnosed under the category of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders in the DSM-5 (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Body dysmorphic disorder is a condition characterized by the following criteria:
A preoccupation with one or more perceived flaws in one’s physical appearance that are not observable or appear — Excerpt, Dysphoria Vs. Dysmorphia: What’s The Difference?
While both conditions can be difficult to deal with, it is important to understand the difference between them in order to get the best possible treatment.
What causes body dysmorphia?
There is no one cause of body dysmorphia, but there are a number of factors that can contribute to its development — genetics, brain function, and environment all play a role in shaping how we see ourselves.
For some people, body dysmorphia may be inherited. If you have a family member who is obsessed with their appearance, you may be more likely to develop body dysmorphia yourself. This is because you may have a skewed perception of what is considered “normal” when it comes to appearance.
Brain function can also affect how we see ourselves. If you have a brain injury or condition that affects your ability to process information, you may be more likely to develop body dysmorphia. This is because your brain may not be able to correctly interpret the images it receives from your eyes.
Finally, environment can also play a role in the development of body dysmorphia. If you grow up in an environment where appearance is highly valued, you may be more likely to develop body dysmorphia. This is because you may learn to value your own appearance based on the standards of your community.
Body dysmorphia in men: How is it different?
Body dysmorphia is a mental health condition that causes a person to obsess over their appearance.
It can cause a person to believe that they are ugly or deformed, even when they are not. Body dysmorphia is a problem that many men struggle with.
Many men develop a subclass of BDD called muscle dysmorphia (MD).
People with MD perceive themselves as less muscular and smaller than they really are. Many people with this condition have a build that’s average or more muscular than average.
MD most commonly affects men, especially men who lift weights or compete in bodybuilding. However, research suggests that MD is also prevalent among female bodybuilders.
There have been relatively few studies on the best way to treat MD, and research is ongoing. Keep reading to find out what science has discovered to date. — Excerpt, Understanding and Treating Muscle Dysmorphia
The condition can be difficult to deal with, but it is important to seek help if you think you might be struggling with this problem. There are a number of treatment options available, including cognitive behavioral therapy, and prescription medication.
Body dysmorphia and weight: What’s the connection?
If you’re struggling with body dysmorphia, you’re not alone. This is a serious mental health condition that can cause severe distress.
Body dysmorphic disorder is characterized by an excessive and irrational preoccupation with a perceived defect in one’s appearance. These preoccupations are out of proportion to the cosmetic or functional significance of the imperfection.
Many people who experience body dysmorphia will engage in trying to “improve” their appearance through various non-surgical means, such as excessive grooming habits, reassurance seeking, and cosmetic surgery.
Disney introduced its first plus-size heroine, a ballerina named Bianca, who struggles to find confidence and manage her body dysmorphia.
The heroine is featured in “Reflect,” a short released as part of Disney’s “Short Circuit” series, which includes various experimental short films.
In the preview, Bianca attends her ballet class alongside very thin classmates and an instructor. As she looks in the mirror — and at her body — the mirror cracks and the background fades away. Many fans are interpreting this sequence to indicate that Bianca experiences body dysmorphia. — Excerpt, Disney Introduces Its First Plus-Size Protagonist, a Ballerina With Body Dysmorphia
Body Positivity and Body Image
Do you nourish your body with food that makes you feel beautiful inside and out?
Food is fuel for your body, and it can also make you feel great.
If you’re not eating food that makes you feel beautiful inside and out, you might not be eating enough of the proper nutrients.
Consuming enough calcium, vitamin D, and protein will ensure that your body works optimally to help you live a longer and happier life.
Lay off the junk food. No matter how tempting it’ll feel to grab a frozen pizza and chow down on it, focus on healthier options. There’s nothing worse than filling your body with plain, non-mouth-watering-good-food that makes you feel like crap.
Don’t let any foods make you feel you have to lose weight or do things to change your body to feel better about yourself. If it makes you feel better to change your eating or workout habits, you should do that.
But when you feel better — whether that be your body or your relationship with yourself and your goals — that should be the focus.
For some women, money may be an issue when it comes to food. Whether you’re buying at the store (i.e., pizza) or going out to eat, it’s essential to weigh the possible consequences of your choices.
Not eating enough healthy food will weaken you, cause fatigue, loss of energy, memory loss, and deficiency of important vitamins and minerals.
Besides feeling better about your body, finding self-love by nourishing it is incredibly important. We can’t truly feel good about ourselves — both as women and as people generally — if we don’t think positively about our bodies, mentally and emotionally.
Do you move your body in a way that makes you feel strong?
Your body is solid and powerful, and it deserves to be treated as such. If you don’t feel good about your body, it’s time to start showing it some love.
Move your body in a way that makes you feel strong. There are a lot of “ideal” body types — “big,” “curvy,” “athletic.” But this isn’t ideal. Your body is only an interpretation of the energy you put out into it, and you can only control how you respond to it.
And when you respond to your body the way you want to, you feel more comfortable. You look and feel better. This involves feeling good about the major organs of your body. Because if your belly isn’t the way that you want it to be, what makes you think the rest of your body will be great? You’ll never know until you try!
Remember, you are not your body.
Also, no one can transform their body perfectly. The beauty of this journey is that it’s totally yours. You can do what feels best for you, but make sure you tell the truth.
This encourages you to take charge of your health, to take a whole part in your own journey toward feeling good in your own body.
Ask yourself, am I currently in a state of imbalance between my mind and my body? And when I answer in the affirmative, do some serious soul-searching. What needs to change? When do I need to start working out? Do I need to start listening to my gut? Looking good naked is cool, but having a positive body image is cool even more.
Final words
Get to know yourself, love yourself, and nourish yourself! When all areas are met, you will feel confident in your own skin.
It’s essential to get to know yourself and your own body. When you’re mindful of how your body and mind feel, you can start to figure out what it needs and make changes accordingly.
For example, if you’re feeling sluggish and tired, you may need to sleep earlier or exercise more.
Mindful eating is excellent for controlling cravings. You may want to try slowing down while eating if you’re someone who craves sugar the most.
Mentally spend some time focusing on positive things you like about yourself and things you admire about others. Remind yourself that life is a roller coaster and that nothing happens instantly.
Instead, take a step back and process what’s going on with your mind, body, and emotions.
Unfortunately, many people have a life view where their worth lies in their looks. At the end of the day, you’re the most important person in your life, whether you have a great body or not! That’s how things like body acceptance and tough love square off with self-love.
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the illusion that your worth depends on a certain body, certain clothes, or specific jobs.
In the end, show yourself some kindness.
I know it isn’t easy to be kind every day oneself but it all starts with you.
By writing this story, I am a little less tired of being fat and no motivation, I need to remind myself that doing what I can to take care of my body could also be a step in taking care not only of my physical well-being but also my mental health.
Sources:
Dysphoria Vs. Dysmorphia: What’s The Difference?
What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?
Disney Introduces Its First Plus-Size Protagonist, a Ballerina With Body Dysmorphia
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Previously Published on Medium
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