Can a negative body image contribute to actual weight gain? Emerging research suggests that how you perceive your body weight can influence your future health outcomes.
Research Insights
A study from a Norwegian university tracked 1,196 normal-weight teens from 1995 to 1997. When followed up between ages 24 and 30, half remained at a healthy weight, while the other half had become overweight.
Striking Results
Among those who became overweight, 59% of women had previously viewed themselves as too fat during their teen years. Using waist circumference as a measure, 78% of participants who held this self-perception ended up overweight.
Understanding the Mechanism
Self-image appears to play a significant role in weight regulation. This link may stem from stress associated with perceived overweight status, or behaviors like meal-skipping, which can disrupt metabolism and lead to unintended weight gain over time.
