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Please listen to the words I have heard clients say to themselves about their bodies:
“You are fat, disgusting.”
“Look at those arms, those breasts, those jowlls.”
“Food is evil and will make you fat and ugly.”
“No one is ever going to want to be with you."
“You don’t deserve anything.”
“You lazy stupid shit.”
“Better to stay home, where people can’t see you.”
One woman looked at herself and said, “You ugly, stupid, worthless, fat bitch. What is wrong with you that you can’t lose a few pounds?” with such ferocity that I was momentarily shocked, as if seeing the first flesh-and-blood image of war after thinking of the horror only in terms of statistics.
Truly hearing these words, would you be inclined to suggest new diet programs and exercise strategies, or would you be moved to stop the violence and assess the damage first? Please, dear readers, be kind to yourselves and those around you who suffer from body shame and struggle with their weight.
You might also like:
Shame, Body Image, and Weight Loss
Zen and the Art of Dieting: Part 6
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