This document discusses body image and eating disorders. It defines body image as how one sees and feels about their own appearance. Body image can be negative, involving distorted perceptions and feelings of unattractiveness, or positive with a realistic view. Common eating disorders related to body image issues are then outlined, along with risk factors and statistics. Societal expectations of gender and media influences on body image are examined. The document concludes with strategies for improving body image and helping those struggling with body image issues or eating disorders.

1. Body Image andBody Image and
Eating DisordersEating Disorders
ULV Counseling CenterULV Counseling Center
January 27, 2009January 27, 2009

2. What is Body ImageWhat is Body Image
 How you see yourself when you look inHow you see yourself when you look in
the mirror or when you picture yourselfthe mirror or when you picture yourself
in your mind.in your mind.
 What you believe about your ownWhat you believe about your own
appearance.appearance.
 How you feel about your bodyHow you feel about your body
 How you feel in your bodyHow you feel in your body

3. Body ImageBody Image
 NegativeNegative
 Distorted perceptionDistorted perception
of one’s bodyof one’s body
 Feelings of beingFeelings of being
unattractiveunattractive
 Feelings of shame,Feelings of shame,
self-consciousness,self-consciousness,
and anxiety aboutand anxiety about
one’s bodyone’s body
 PositivePositive
 A realistic perceptionA realistic perception
of one’s bodyof one’s body
 Appreciation of one’sAppreciation of one’s
natural body shapenatural body shape
 Understanding thatUnderstanding that
one’s value as aone’s value as a
person is not basedperson is not based
on one’s physicalon one’s physical
appearanceappearance

4. What is Your Body Image?What is Your Body Image?
 Do you often rely on clothes or cosmetics toDo you often rely on clothes or cosmetics to
try to cover up the “flaws” in yourtry to cover up the “flaws” in your
appearance?appearance?
 Do your feelings about your looks get in theDo your feelings about your looks get in the
way of accepting yourself or enjoying yourway of accepting yourself or enjoying your
everyday life?everyday life?
 Do you spend a lot of time worrying aboutDo you spend a lot of time worrying about
what others think of your looks?what others think of your looks?
 Do you spend a lot of time, effort, or moneyDo you spend a lot of time, effort, or money
trying to achieve physical perfection?trying to achieve physical perfection?

5. Body Image RelatedBody Image Related
DisordersDisorders
 StatisticsStatistics
 BMI & healthy rangesBMI & healthy ranges
 Types of Body Image Related DisordersTypes of Body Image Related Disorders
 AnorexiaAnorexia
 Binge EatingBinge Eating
 BulimiaBulimia
 Body Dysmorphic DisorderBody Dysmorphic Disorder

6. Body Image RelatedBody Image Related
DisordersDisorders
 What Causes Body Image RelatedWhat Causes Body Image Related
Disorders?Disorders?
 Psychological factorsPsychological factors
 Interpersonal factorsInterpersonal factors
 Social factorsSocial factors
 Biological factorsBiological factors
 Eating Disorders on CampusesEating Disorders on Campuses

7. Role of the MediaRole of the Media
 Role of the MediaRole of the Media
 Cultural obsession with slendernessCultural obsession with slenderness
 Unrealistic portrayalsUnrealistic portrayals
 How the media influences our livesHow the media influences our lives
 Being a critical viewerBeing a critical viewer
 Promotion of healthier body imagePromotion of healthier body image
messages in the mediamessages in the media

8. Societal ExpectationsSocietal Expectations
 Gender DifferencesGender Differences
 MaleMale
 FemaleFemale
 Gender rolesGender roles

9. How to Help FriendsHow to Help Friends
and Familyand Family
 Remember an eating disorder is not aRemember an eating disorder is not a
problem but an attempted solution to aproblem but an attempted solution to a
problemproblem
 Accept what we do and do not haveAccept what we do and do not have
power overpower over
 Use “I” statementsUse “I” statements
 Be authenticBe authentic
 Don’t focus on eating or weightDon’t focus on eating or weight

10. How to Help FriendsHow to Help Friends
and Familyand Family
 Our feelings may be a reflection of howOur feelings may be a reflection of how
she/he is feelingshe/he is feeling
 The role of empathyThe role of empathy
 Keep trying, maintain hopeKeep trying, maintain hope
 Send messages of love and notSend messages of love and not
rejectionrejection
 Get support for yourselfGet support for yourself

11. Improving Body ImageImproving Body Image
 10 “Will-Powers”10 “Will-Powers”
 Note Card ActivityNote Card Activity
 Treatment and ReferralsTreatment and Referrals
Treatment is available, and recovery is possible!Treatment is available, and recovery is possible!