Using the body as a personal assessment tool creates insecurity and low self-esteem, which lead to eating disorders and self-harm over the years. It talks about it in the insert on newsstands Thursday 29 September
We are publishing a preview of an article in the new Corriere Salute. You can read the full text on the issue at newsstands for free on Thursday 29 September or in Pdf on the Digital Edition of the «Corriere della Sera».
A leaner body in today’s common mentality is a more beautiful body, therefore more acceptable and lovable by others. And children learn from an early age that this is the ideal model of physical perfection to which the narcissistic society of our times aspires and on which success and happiness depend. “The evidence of the scientific literature shows that stereotyped judgments with respect to body shapes are precocious, appear already around three years old and grow with age, and that to influence them are first of all the comments and behavior of the parents, even of the grandparents if they usually look after the grandchild – declares Laura Dalla Ragione, psychiatrist and psychotherapist, who directs the network of services for eating disorders of the USU Umbria 1 -. In studies conducted on children of 3-5 years of age, the fat image is more often associated with negative characteristics and in fewer cases those who are overweight are chosen as a best friend. Those who have a disapproving attitude towards obesity usually describe their family members as very interested in nutrition and physical appearance ».
Frustrated parents
“There are mothers who perceived themselves as fat when they were young, they are obsessed with the figure and diet and accuse their daughter of being “the fattest in the class”, stressing that “if she continues to eat like this, no dress will fit her and she will not be invited to parties” – explains the psychiatrist -. Or there are fathers obsessed with sportfrustrated for not having obtained the desired results, which push the still young son to do competitive activities, putting his weight and muscle growth under strict control ». Because fitness conditioning is so early, it becomes more difficult to correct it in the future. «For this reason we must be careful about what we say and how we say it – emphasizes Dalla Ragione -. For prevent insecurity and low self-esteem in childrenfactors that increase the likelihood of eating disorders and self-harm later in life, it is important not to use food and the body as a personal assessment tool ».
You can continue reading the article on Health Courier on newsstands for free on Thursday 29 September or in Pdf on the Digital Edition of Corriere della Sera.
September 28, 2022 (change September 28, 2022 | 09:36)
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