A Good Body Image Can Lead to Weight Issues

Having a healthy body image is essential for a happy life, it has often been said and proved on countless occasions. Nevertheless, a new study comes to show that there is such a thing as too good a self-image, especially when it concerns overweight and obese women, who often choose role idols who are also over the healthy weight limit, Science Daily informs.

According to the recent study, conducted at Temple University on 81 women with varying BMIs (Body Mass Index), women whose weight is already over the healthy limit rarely see their poundage as a direct threat to their health. This happens because they choose role models who are already heavier, researchers explain, which means they’re in no position to appreciate what healthy and unhealthy are in terms of weight.

The study included being measured for height and weight, and then having the women (who were from all weight groups, underweight and overweight) answering a couple of questions in writing as regards how they perceived their current weight and how they’d like to look. The women were then shown illustrations of women and were asked to appreciate their BMIs, while also stating what size they thought they were and where they’d like to be.

“While most of the participants selected illustrations of women in the normal to overweight range, about 20 percent of the obese women selected an overweight or obese silhouette as their ideal body shape. Further, 68 percent (15 out 22) of overweight participants and 84 percent (26 of 31) of obese women underestimated their current BMI. African-American and Hispanic women had significantly underestimated their current body size, while the white women overestimated.” Science Daily says of the findings of the study.

The problem that arises now is that health experts are virtually left with no means of fighting obesity and overweight-ness – or of helping those diagnosed with either fight them – because being over the healthy limit is not perceived as a bad thing. “So the question for doctors then becomes, ‘How can we effectively treat our overweight and obese patients, when they don’t feel they’re in harm’s way?’” study researcher Marisa Rose, M.D., says for the publication. “It stresses a need for culturally sensitive education for this population. Informing our patients about the dangers of obesity, even when they feel they’re not at risk, can help empower them to change their lifestyles and lead healthier lives.” Dr. Rose concludes by saying.