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What is body image?
Body image comes from one's imagination. It's how we internally think we look and thus, how we feel about ourselves.

How does body image affect weight and weight management?
Often we carry images of our bodies that focus on negative aspects of ourselves. When we do this, we let the negative messages direct our behaviors. Low self-esteem often results in poor self care.

If I lose weight will I have a better body image?
Perhaps, but more often than not, low self-esteem will continue to show up in other areas of your life, such as in relationships. This will continue the cycle of beating up on your body with negative messages."If I were thinner...if I were prettier...if only I could get plastic surgery, etc."

So how do I improve my body image?
We take care of what we love. Learn to stop the negative thoughts and focus on the positive behaviors in your life. Set realistic goals for balance in your physical, emotional and spiritual life, not just on weight.

What are realistic goals?
Realistic goals are achievable goals. Break them down to avoid overwhelming yourself. For instance, if you need to lose 100 pounds, focus on losing two pounds a week until you reach your goal. Also, depending on your physical health, contract with yourself to exercise three times a week for 10 minutes, work up to three times a week for 20 minutes, four times a week for 30 minutes, etc.

Take an emotional inventory to see what "emotional fat" you are carrying around. Emotional fat may involve unresolved grief and loss, a bad relationship, unsettled arguments, financial stressors, or even childhood hurts. Then get help with this.