For many overweight female patients, one of the toughest hurdles to improved health may not be their actual weight but how they perceive their weight. According to the results of a recent 2,000-woman survey conducted by TSC, a division of Yankelovich and sponsored by Slim·Fast, researchers noted that, “When it comes to body image, there is an enormous gender gap, with women reporting overwhelmingly greater body dissatisfaction when compared to men.”
The effects of this negative self image are far reaching. When respondents feel larger than they want to be, 82% of the women surveyed avoid certain activities, particularly going to the beach, clothes shopping, letting a partner see them without clothes on and even avoiding the doctor. As women get further from their ideal size, positive feelings about themselves decrease -- and with it their self esteem.
First step: Setting realistic weight loss goals
The majority of participants agree that trying to achieve an unrealistic ideal size makes it harder to lose any weight. That’s where healthcare professionals can step in. You can help your patients set realistic, healthy weight loss goals, of 1 to 2 pounds per week, with an initial goal of losing up to 10% of their current body weight.
Step Two: Boosting one’s self image
As for the negative self image, healthcare professionals can help patients examine their reasons for wanting to lose weight and help change the way they see themselves in the mirror. You can encourage a positive attitude by considering the following points:
- Stop negative “self talk”.
Learning to describe yourself with neutral, objective phrases can help stop the cycle of poor self esteem. So, instead of saying, "I have really ugly thighs," think, "My thighs could use some work."
- Focus on what you like about your looks.
Ask what you do like about yourself, whether it‘s your hands, nails or smile. When you stand in front of the mirror, look at what you like and say something positive.
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