If you or a loved one is suffering from negative body image or body hatred, we want to help. This page will provide information on body image symptoms, treatment options and what to do next.
Treating Body Image Issues
We know that bodies are not “one size fits all,” so our approach to understanding and addressing body image struggles isn’t either. Our goal is to provide you with a better understanding of the factors that impact your unique body image struggles while promoting body acceptance and self-compassion for individuals of all shapes and sizes.
What Is Body Image?
Body image begins to form in infancy and is impacted by sociocultural influences, life experiences and the beliefs and behaviors of those closest to us—our parents, caregivers and community. It is a complex and multifaceted dynamic, shifting and adapting as we age and as the world changes around us. The development of self-worth, a strong sense of identity, the capacity for pleasure, and the ability to connect emotionally to one’s self and others are all linked to body acceptance. When beliefs about weight, shape and size do not align with our perception of self, we can experience distress and difficult emotions that can drive and maintain eating disorder behaviors.
Warning Signs of Unhealthy Body Image
Body image problems occur along a continuum that ranges from mild dissatisfaction to severe body-hatred. Body image disturbance is generally seen in conjunction with self-esteem and self-compassion issues, depression, eating disorders, and/or sexual abuse.
An individual may have poor body image if they:
- Experience an overriding sense of shame about their body, appearance, and self
- Use diet and exercise to control the weight, shape, and size of their body
- Believe attaining a specific weight, shape, or size will change their life or bring happiness
- Perceive a mismatch between what they think they look like and how others see them
- Call themselves disparaging names
- Constantly compare themselves to others
- Feel disconnected from their body and the emotions it holds
Is it Really an Eating Disorder?
We live in a culture with rigid ideals about food, weight and size, so it can be difficult to recognize when your thoughts and behaviors have become dangerous. Take a quiz and find out.
Negative Body Image Treatment & Levels of Care
Early intervention provides the best chance for recovery from body image issues. Pay attention to the warning signs – a destructive cycle may eventually lead to irreversible medical problems. If you are struggling, embrace yourself – you need love, not “fixing.”
Proper treatment starts with a treatment approach that fits your or your loved ones’ needs. Here are the most common options.
Residential Treatment
Continuous in-person treatment. Often the most structured and intensive level of care.
Day Treatment
Comprehensive and consistent outpatient care with daily, in-person meetings.
Intensive Outpatient (IOP)
Intensive structure and treatment plans with consistent meetings several days per week.
Outpatient Services
Weekly structure and steady support, but provided at a slower pace than IOP.
Virtual Treatment
The same structured, intensive care of in-person, delivered virtually.
How to Help Someone with Negative Body Image
Individuals dealing with negative body image need compassion and understanding along with the right degree of professional evaluation, diagnosis and treatment. Loved ones, in tandem with an established mental health team, play a critical role in supporting the recovery journey and promoting a healthy, positive perspective on body image. For more information, explore our library of dedicated resources, podcast episodes, and blogs on eating disorder topics.
Reach out to a Renfrew Program Information Specialist to schedule a FREE assessment or to learn more about our services.
Body Image FAQ
What is body image?
Body image is the perception of your physical appearance including the thoughts, feelings, urges, and behaviors associated with your body shape and size. Body image is complex and multifaceted, exists on a spectrum, and can shift as our bodies and the world changes around us.
How common are body image issues?
Body image issues are unfortunately common and can start in childhood. While they can affect anyone at any age, race, shape, size, gender and ethnicity, they are more prevalent among certain populations such as females, those who experience weight-related stigma and discrimination, as well as members of the LGBTQ+ community.
What causes negative body image?
Body image is a complex issue influenced by various factors. Internalizing and comparing oneself to unattainable societal ideals can contribute to negative body image. Other factors include exposure to images of body ideals, social media and traditional media, family attitudes and beliefs, weight stigma and discrimination, diet culture, weight related bullying, and trauma.
What are the most common signs for body image issues?
- -Avoiding social activities or isolating
- -Hiding body in oversized or weather inappropriate clothing
- -Body checking (daily weighing, checking mirrors, pinching/measuring parts of the body)
- -Making negative, critical, or harsh comments about appearance of self or others (out loud or self-talk)
- -Reshaping, digitally manipulating, or completely avoiding photos of themselves
- -Constantly comparing appearance, shape, and size to others
- – Engaging in harmful behaviors to change the shape or size of the body (e.g., restricting, purging, over-exercising, etc.)
How do I know if I need treatment for body image?
Untreated, body image issues can impact all areas of functioning and increase the likelihood of an eating disorder developing. If you notice that body image issues are impacting your mental health, relationships, performance at work/school or overall wellbeing, consider seeking professional support. Renfrew’s interactive quiz may help determine if you have a positive view of your body. Understanding your body image can be the first step toward developing self-awareness and self-compassion.
What should I do if I’m curious about treatment?
A confidential phone conversation or online chat with one of our Program Information Specialists is the best way to learn more about our services, answer your questions and address your concerns: Call 1-800-RENFREW (736-3739).
What forms of treatment are most effective for body image?
Individual therapy, group therapy, and experiential approaches like art or movement therapy can be helpful in addressing body image issues. If body dissatisfaction is driving eating disorder symptoms, an effective treatment approach will ideally include a multidisciplinary team that works together to target multiple factors, including the emotional patterns, , nutritional deficiencies, medical complications, and any co-occurring mental health diagnoses. If you’re struggling to have a healthy relationship with your body and with food, a comprehensive eating disorder assessment is recommended to identify your needs and choose the appropriate level of care.
What forms of treatment are most effective for binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder is a complex psychiatric disorder that rarely travels alone. An effective treatment approach will ideally include a multidisciplinary team that works together to target multiple factors, including the eating disorder symptoms, nutritional deficiencies, medical complications, and any co-occurring mental health diagnoses. A comprehensive eating disorder assessment is recommended to identify your needs and choose the appropriate level of care.
What is the role of a treatment team in dealing with body image?
The treatment team can assess and monitor the severity of body image issues and provide recommendations and interventions to help you manage the thoughts, emotions, urges and behaviors associated with your body dissatisfaction or body image disturbance. Support systems can be a part of the treatment team to ensure effective support is happening outside of treatment.
What is the long-term outlook for someone with severe body image issues?
Early intervention and the appropriate level of care can make a significant difference in the long-term recovery for both body image issues and eating disorder symptoms. Due to the complex nature of an eating disorder, body dissatisfaction and body image disturbance will not likely resolve on its own or with time. Seeking out the appropriate level of care as soon as possible is recommended for best outcomes.
What should loved ones do to help?
Examine your own beliefs and attitudes about body shape and size. Avoid making critical statements about your body or the bodies of those around you. Focus on being an emotional support for your loved one and connect with them around the parts of who they are that have nothing to do with appearance. Be available to assist in finding a mental health provider and attending assessments and/or sessions if needed.
Binge Eating Disorder: Warning Signs, Diagnosis, Treatment & Recovery
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Disordered Eating vs. Eating Disorder: What’s the Difference?
Disordered eating and eating disorders share many similarities, and both can cause significant problems physically, mentally and socially. Here’s what you need to know.
Night Eating Syndrome vs. Binge Eating Disorder: What’s the Difference?
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and Night Eating Syndrome (NES) are similar but distinct diagnoses. In this post, we break down the differences.
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