Self-acceptance at any size
Our culture sets a standard for personal appearance that few people
can achieve. It idealizes near-anorexia and brands those who are more
than slightly larger. Obese people face routine discrimination. We are
characterized as lazy, stupid, low-class, emotionally unstable ... the list
goes on.
Obesity is medicalized with the inevitable prescription of diets and
exercise. These are 'solutions' that fail for almost everyone. We
become victims of ourselves with bariatric surgery and liposuction.
We internalize discrimination as self-hatred.
Size acceptance issues aren't limited to the obese. Anorexia and
bulimia are culturally created disorders, in which discrimination is
internalized. Patterns of starvation and/or binging and purging
resemble specific phobia and OCD.
At least 1/2 of my female patients and at least 1/4 of my male
patients face serious issues related to their size.
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My personal committment
As a heavier than average child and adult, I developed and had to
deal with my own weight and size issues. They've been painful.
Today, I'm still overweight; but for the most part I can accept myself
as I am. I'm considering some form of diet or exercise to reduce
back pain and blood pressure.
As a therapist, I am neither pro nor anti diet. I am for self-acceptance
and self-esteem at any size. This isn't in conflict with real medical
issues. As an example: guilt and shame only get in the way of
successfully coping with adult onset diabetes.
I try to help patients understand that their size, and sometimes their
disease, results from living conditions and natural variations in human
form. Health is a personal condition. Size as an issue is a
social/cultural creation.
I also encourage patients to recognize discrimination for what it is and
to challenge size bigotry when they can.
My goal is to be a therapist who 'gets it'.
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