Body Dysmorphia

Hi, all,

Body dysmorphia is the condition that people with eating disorders get when they can no longer see their body for the way it is. I've mostly recovered from my years of disordered eating, but I still don't know what "normal" or "thin" looks like, especially on myself. I can't see how I'm shaped. So I have two questions.

1. Does anyone else here struggle with this?
2. What is a normal weight for a 30-year-old woman who's 5'8" with a medium build.

Thank you!

Sun. Sep 12, 10:53pm

hi OP,
i also suffer from body dysmorphia; i don't have a solution for it or a number for your height and build, just letting you know that you aren't alone!
good luck to the both of us :)

Monday, September 13, 2010, 12:01 PM

The normal body weight for a woman, with a medium bone structure, who is 5'8" is 140 pounds. That is the target weight for someone who fills those characteristics exactly. A woman with a slightly larger bone structure would have a slightly higher normal body weight; with a slightly smaller bone structure her weight would be slightly less.

Monday, September 13, 2010, 1:21 PM

For sure you are not alone.

There isn't a singular weight for any given height that is considered the norm or ideal. There can be a 20-40 pound range for what's considered normal and healthy. A woman weighing 140 can look bigger than a woman weighing 155 - there are just so many variables.

I used to have an eating disorder and I know that basing how I think and feel about myself upon those numbers on the scale is a losing proposition. Oh, it feels fabulous when you see that 'ideal' number, but it pales in comparison to how it feels to see it go over - and you could look exactly the same! It can ruin a whole day. Dominate your thoughts, etc. It's no way to live. I'd do some work on moving away from external measures to determine how to feel about yourself. It's tough, but you can get yourself there.

Monday, September 13, 2010, 4:27 PM

I always forget I'm fat. Then I see myself in a mirror and do a double take. It's gotten worse after losing weight Weird.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010, 9:42 PM

9:42 poster:

I have almost the opposite problem. While I am a heavily built person, I have an internal image of myself as obscenely obese - on the order of one of those poor women with pendulous abdomens that reach their knees, large rolls of fat, etc. When I unexpectedly catch a glimpse of my reflection in a window or such, I do a double take - who is that person? - before I realize it is me. This seems to have a profound effect on my weight-loss efforts; I really feel if I could mentally see myself as I really am, I would feel encouraged that all is not lost and would be able to make more progress - as it is, it has its own built-in discouragement factor. I don't know if I expressed that intelligibly or not.....

Wednesday, September 15, 2010, 11:31 AM

Overly proud until...

I have this weird thing that as long as I'm taking care of myself and doing a little exercise, my mind sees a perfectly sensuous body with curves everywhere they are supposed to be. Then when I'm stressed I look again and see all the cellulite and extra fat. This always seems to be the point where I go back to my wicked ways of giving up.

Thursday, September 16, 2010, 10:26 AM

Related Content: How To Lose Weight- The Basics Weight Watchers Points System The Fat Smash Diet The Eat To Live Diet The Beck Diet Solution How To Get The Motivation To Lose Weight		How To Be Successful Using PEERtrainer How To Burn Fat Online Weight Loss Support- How It Works Does Green Tea Help You Lose Weight? Tips On Using PEERtrainer Visit The PEERtrainer Community Diet and Fitness Resources
Fitness Weight Watchers Meetings Learning To Inspire Others: You Already Are Writing Down Your Daily Workouts Spending Money On A Personal Trainer? How I Became A Marathon Runner		Preventive Health How To Prevent Injuries During Your Workout Flu Season: Should You Take The Flu Shot? Are You Really Ready To Start PEERtrainer? Super Foods That Can Boost Your Energy Reversing Disease Through Nutrition
New Diet and Fitness Articles: Weight Watchers Points Plus How To Adjust Your Body To Exercise New: Weight Watchers Momentum Program New: PEERtrainer Blog Archive Review Of The New Weight Watchers Momentum Program		Weight Loss Motivation by Joshua Wayne: Why Simple Goal Setting Is Not Enough How To Delay Short Term Gratification How To Stay Motivated How To Exercise With A Busy Schedule
Real World Nutrition and Fitness Questions Can Weight Lifting Help You Lose Weight? Are Protein Drinks Safe? Nutrition As Medicine?		Everyday Weight Loss Tips How To Eat Healthy At A Party How To Eat Out And Still Lose Weight The Three Bite Rule Tips On How To Stop A Binge