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Body Image Continuum

Developed by Lynne Smiley, PhD, Lisa Kin, MC, Holly Avey, MPH

While most of us can identify with many of the symptoms of an eating disorder, our attitudes and behaviors regarding food and weight actually fall along a continuum. At different times in our lives we may move back and forth along the continuum. Check it out; see where you are now and where you would like to be!

Not an Issue

  • I am not concerned about what others think regarding what and how much I eat.
  • Food is an important part of my life but only occupies a small part of my life.
  • I trust my body to tell me what and how much to eat.
  • Body image is not an issue for me.
  • My feelings about my body are not determined by society’s concept of an ideal body shape.

Healthy Concern

  • I nourish my body so it will have the strength and energy to help me achieve my physical goals.
  • I may weigh more than I would like, but I enjoy eating and I balance my pleasure from eating with my concern for a healthy body.
  • I base my body image equally on social norms and my own concept.
  • I pay attention to my body and my appearance because it is important to me, but it only occupies a small part of my day.
  • I try to follow dietary guidelines for healthy eating.

Food Preoccupied

  • I’m afraid of getting fat.
  • I think about food a lot.
  • I wish I could change how much I want to eat and what I am hungry for.
  • It’s hard for me to enjoy eating with others.
  • I spend a significant amount of time comparing my body to other people’s.

Disruptive Eating Patterns

  • I have tried diet pills, laxatives, vomiting, or extra time exercising to lose or maintain my weight.
  • I have fasted or avoided eating for long periods of time to lose or maintain my weight.
  • I feel strong when I can restrict how much I eat.
  • My body shape keeps me from dating or finding someone who will treat me the way I want to be treated.

Eating Disordered

  • I am afraid to eat in front of others
  • I am terrified of eating fat.
  • I regularly stuff myself and then exercise, vomit, take diet pills, or laxatives to get rid of the calories.
  • I hate my body and I often isolate myself from others.