When she shed pounds, the observations on her physique didn't subside.
Olivia, a 33-year-old woman from Philadelphia, has lost a staggering 80 pounds while taking Wegovy, a weight-loss medication. However, she describes her journey as a rollercoaster ride filled with challenges, especially concerning body dysmorphia.
"It's like looking into a funhouse mirror," explained Olivia. "One minute I'll look at myself and accept how I am, and then I'll look away and suddenly, I see myself as much larger."
Although Olivia experienced positive results with the GLP-1 agonist medication, which mimics gut hormones that regulate insulin and appetite, she emphasizes that losing weight doesn't mean everything else in her life is fixed.
"I'm still a mom, a designer, a wife, and a daughter. I still do all the same things. Why am I treated differently now?" she asked. "Does it mean only my outer appearance determines my worth? It definitely reinforces that feeling of being worthless as just an image."
It's common for people to react differently to someone who has lost weight, even with positive comments. However, these remarks can often make Olivia feel like she wasn't acceptable before the transformation.
Even though Olivia's experience with weight loss might seem unique, Dr. Genesis Ettienne, a licensed mental health counselor, and marriage and family therapist in Southern Florida, points out this phenomenon isn't uncommon.
"Body image is not determined by weight. It's an internalized view of your body," she stated. "Many people try to change their body image by losing weight, but when they still struggle with body image, it can lead to an endless cycle of wanting to be smaller."
To break this cycle, Ettienne encourages focusing on improving your body image without the need for weight loss.
"It's important to build a better relationship with your body independent of its appearance," she continued. "Your self-confidence should not rely on merely your weight."
Despite her significant success in weight loss, Olivia still has to endure countless comments on her transformational journey.
"People cannot help but notice the change, even when they first meet me," she acknowledged. "I get a mix of reactions—from approval to curiosity. While I'm proud of my accomplishments, this attention is invading my privacy."
Dr. Alexis Conason, a New York City psychologist and certified eating disorder therapist, warns against making weight loss a public conversation topic.
"It's not healthy to focus only on a person's external appearance," she said. "Losing weight may not be the whole story; it could stem from an eating disorder, grief, or another distressing situation. And even if the weight loss is perceived as positive, addressing someone's body in this manner feels intrusive."
To establish boundaries, Ettienne recommends setting clear parameters when it comes to discussing your body with others. "You can either tell someone directly, 'I don't want to talk about it,' or try to steer the conversation away.", Olivia believes it's easier to discuss this with someone closer to her, while she tries more subtle ways to change the subject for others.
Additionally, Olivia is working on managing her body dysmorphia. "Sometimes, it helps to avoid mirrors for a while," she mentioned. "Dig deeper and uncover the emotions and thoughts that are causing those feelings."
The key to overcoming body dysmorphia and the uncomfortable comments from others lies in setting boundaries about how and when they discuss your weight and body. It's crucial to recognize that your worth isn't solely based on your appearance but rather a multitude of your attributes.
"If you're in a smaller body physically but still struggling with how you see yourself, Olivares points out that it's important to address the mental aspect of body dysmorphia. It can be challenging to see things clearly even when you've reached your desired size.
Conason encourages those struggling with body image issues or the constant pursuit of losing more weight to seek professional help. Finding a licensed mental health provider who works with eating disorder care is the ideal solution, she says. Check out The National Alliance for Eating Disorders for resources and referrals."
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Olivia mentions that focusing on her body image improvement without the need for weight loss is essential to breaking the cycle of wanting to be smaller. (from Ettienne's perspective)
Despite her significant weight loss, Olivia still grapples with managing her body dysmorphia and feels that her worth isn't solely based on her appearance but rather a multitude of her attributes. (summarizing Olivia's experience)
Source: edition.cnn.com
