Problem

Weight obsession

Other Names:
Preoccupation with slimming
Perceived excessive body weight
Unwanted weight gain
Preoccupation with excess bodily fat
Cosmetic overweight
Incidence:

In the UK, it is estimated that up to 20% of "normal" women binge-eat once a month, 90% have been on a diet and 10% have used vomiting and laxatives as a method of slimming at some time or other. Chaotic eating is so common that it may seem you are almost abnormal not to be worried about weight. Studies find that an increasing number of young girls are obsessed with their weight and body image. According to a 1992 report, one in three nine-year old British girls are concerned about slimming and wish to be 15% below their ideal weight, although 40% of those concerned were well below this. Abnormal weight loss, although unhealthy for men and women of any age, is particularly harmful during adolescence when rates of physical development are supposed to be at their highest.

Narrower Problems:
Underweight
Related Problems:
Female sterility
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
GOAL 3: Good Health and Well-being
Problem Type:
D: Detailed problems
Date of last update
04.10.2020 – 22:48 CEST