Learning to Love Yourself in an Image-Obsessed Culture

We all have image issues, even if we choose to ignore it or pretend it doesn't exist. Why else would the diet and fitness industry be so huge?

We are looking for a quick fix. The pill that will make us a size zero, the diet that lets us eat whatever and still loose weight, we want perfection without the stress of working for it. It's everywhere you look, ads with skinny beautiful people all having the time of their lives. Giving "fat" people the message you should not have fun or be happy with who you are. This is further worsened by constant news reports of America being the most obese nation, is it any wonder why?

It's hard to not live up to high standards, and eating is one of the easiest ways to cope with the pressure. Instead of going for a run or kick boxing through our anger and stress we are a nation who enjoys our comfort food.

People think it's all about eating or not eating. Starving yourself will only help you loose weight for a short time. It's not a long term solution nor is it a healthy one. Eating disorders are on the rise and its not just a problem amongst teenage girls anymore. Its on the rise with older women, sometimes into their 60's, and men as well. An upsetting 1 in 3 Americans have some type of eating disorder or a combination of all three ( Anorexia, Bulimia, and Compulsive over eating) This problem really needs to be addressed through some form of social out reach. However that doesn't seem likely in today's image obsessed climate.

Instead of focusing on some unobtainable goal of perfection which can be unhealthy anyway. Each person facing a weight issue should take a look at their diet and exercise routine. If you are doing fine in those areas perhaps its simply bad genetics or high stress.Talk to your doctor about possible ways to deal with stress. Also if weight loss is impossible get your thyroid checked, you weight issue could be related to an improper dosage of hormones. But really if you're just fine and happy how you are being a little fat then you should be. Your weight doesn't make you a good or bad person, it's simply just part of who you are.