Research

Negative Body Image

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Content

Overweight women with disabilities may develop negative body image. Low self-esteem, depression, and stress may be associated with overweight and obesity.

Research has documented that many people who are overweight develop a negative body image. Furthermore, excessive weight is associated with low self-esteem, which may be caused by societal stigmas, self-blame, discrimination, or cultural ideals. Stress and depression, alarmingly prevalent among women with physical disabilities, are also associated with weight problems. Stress and depression may serve as triggers for overeating and weight loss relapse. However, the relationship between obesity and depression is not yet fully understood.