Support positive body image in your patients with
these suggestions:
  • Get rid of magazines, diet books and other
    materials promoting the "thin is in" mentality.
    We get enough exposure to the diet mentality
    outside the home, and we can choose to leave it
    at the doorstep.
  • Do some closet work. Get rid of clothing that
    does not fit. "Thin" clothes can be a constant
    reminder of how "fat" or "bad" you are, and
    that's not what you need to see first thing in the
    morning! Contrary to popular belief, "thin"
    clothes induce shame and rarely motivate
    positive behavior change.
  • Don't wait to try new things. It's common to
    hook conflicted or ambivalent feelings about
    change onto our weight. For example, wait
ing to lose weight before seeking out a new relationship.
We never deal with the core stuff of life if the focus
remains on thinness.
  • Do a weight history. Look through pictures of
    relatives across the generations to get a sense of
    the natural weight and shape in your family.
    This builds acceptance of your genetic makeup.

Amy Olson is a licensed Clinical Social Worker in Cary, NC,
experienced in treating emotional disorders including depression,
anxiety and a range of eating disorders. Prior to entering private
practice she was a psychotherapist at the Structure House Center
for Weight Loss and Lifestyle Change in Durham, an affiliate
of Duke University. She treats adolescents and adults and
periodically run groups addressing various food, mood and body
issues.