Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Body Image Distortion is a symptom for those with eating disorders, and other somatic issues, which effects the way the body is perceived or “felt”. People with body image distortion may see themselves as enormous when they look in the mirror, even when they are emaciated. In addition to this visual perception, they usually have physical sensations of being “weighed-down” or “heavy” in a specific body part, or even all over the body. Malnutrition appears to be a major culprit causing body image distortion. Here at DietitiansABQ, we want to help you with your fears surrounding food and it’s effect on your body. After a thorough nutrition assessment with special attention paid to any medical complications that may exist, areas of focus may include:
- Macronutrient needs
- Establishment of healthy weight goals
- Nutrition education
- Development of a meal plan or an eating plan
- Exercise
- Need for supplementation
- Evaluating behaviors surrounding food
- Assessment of changes in laboratory values
- Planning to reduce and eliminate food-centered reactions to triggers.
- Involvement of family when appropriate.
- Referral to counseling services specializing in eating disorders.