18/06/2010
Body image distortion causes unsafe weight-loss behaviour
by Hannah McLaverty-Williamson
New research has shown that teenage girls who falsely believe they are overweight are more likely to succumb to unsafe weight loss methods than girls who can accurately assess their weight status.
The study carried out by the University of Illinois' expert in eating disorders and body-image perception, Janet M. Liechty, found that whilst child obesity is an important social issue, it could lead to those suffering from body image distortion being overlooked.
Liechty was cited on the Daily News & Analysis website as saying:"Usually, teens and their parents only get weight-related feedback from the doctor when the child is overweight. But kids of any weight can struggle with body image and poor body image can negatively affect medical outcomes in ways we often don't recognise."
The research, which is published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, involved studying three types of behaviours, exercise, dieting and extreme ways of losing weight such as laxatives, diet pills and purging. If the participant considered themselves to be overweight when they were not, the difference was marked as overestimation or body image distortion.
Liechty believes that if these misrepresentations are left unaddressed it could lead to unhealthy weight loss behaviour, disordered eating and future weight problems, which is why she argues such issues should be identified as early as possible.
"If teens want to lose weight, parents should take them to the doctor or health-care professional and discuss how much they should lose at what pace and how to do it safely" she added.
There are many effective techniques that can be used to aid weight loss safely. These include lowering your calorie intake, making changes to your diet, eating smaller portions and exercising more. Weight loss hypnotherapy is an increasingly popular method used by dieters who want to make long term changes to their relationship with food.
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