When Are Body Image Issues Serious?

Body image issues have become increasingly common in today’s society, with many individuals feeling pressure to have the perfect body. While it’s normal at times to feel conscious about our bodies, how do we know if these thoughts cross the line into becoming a serious concern? In this blog post, we will be discussing body image issues and when they become a cause for concern. We have consulted with a dietitian and naturopath to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

Obsessive Thoughts:

If your thoughts about your appearance consume your mind and lead to obsessive behavior, it may be a sign of a more serious issue. For example, constantly weighing yourself or tirelessly examining yourself in the mirror may indicate body image issues. Keep an eye out for any obsessive behavior and seek help if necessary.

Avoiding Certain Activities:

Body image concerns may lead you to avoid certain activities such as social gatherings, eating out at restaurants, or going to the beach. If body image issues are starting to impact your daily routine, it’s time to seek help.

Negative Self-Talk:

If you find yourself constantly berating yourself, it’s a sign that your thoughts about your body may be becoming problematic. Negative self-talk can lead to low self-esteem and depression, which can further exacerbate the body image issues.

Severe Dieting:

Extreme dieting and excessive exercise are common symptoms of body image issues. This is a major red flag, as it can lead to a range of physical and mental health issues. It is important to avoid this when body image issues are present. If you find yourself engaging in extreme dieting or disordered eating habits, seek help immediately.

Social Withdrawal:

Isolating oneself from social activities can be another sign of body image issues. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression, exacerbating the problem. If this sounds like you, it’s time to discuss your concerns with a professional.

In conclusion, body image concerns can be incredibly challenging to navigate, and it’s essential to seek help at the right time. Being self-aware and identifying any obsessive behavior or negative thoughts is the first step in addressing the issue. While it’s normal to be conscious of our bodies, when these thoughts start impacting our daily routine and mental health, it’s time to seek help. A qualified dietitian or naturopath can help you deal with these issues. Remember, self-love and acceptance should always be at the forefront of our minds when dealing with body image concerns.

About the Author

Dr Carole Chueng is a naturopathic doctor who obtained her naturopathic degree from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. She has additional training in hormone health from the College of Pharmacy at the University of Florida. Although she has held a general family practice, she is passionate about consulting with patients on hormone health and using acupuncture to address physical injuries, as well as stress-related fatigue. She has done extensive training in acupuncture for physical injuries with Dr Whitfield Reaves and in facial acupuncture with various teachers.

As a naturopathic doctor, Dr Carole’s goal is to find the underlying root causes of dis-ease via thorough case taking, standardized and functional testing, and physical examinations. She applies an integrative/functional medicine approach whereby her recommendations are based on laboratory findings, current research and years of clinical experience. You can expect a discussion of your health goals, and a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include other practitioners to provide full support.

She loves to educate patients about diet and lifestyle, and enjoys creating culturally sensitive dietary plans with patients. She also cares about updating her knowledge-base through research and her clinical skills obtained in additional courses for best practice. She holds a prescribing and intravenous license in Ontario.