Weight & Mental Health (Body Image, Diet Culture & Mood)

1) What it is

Weight and mental health are closely linked. Diet culture, shame, binge–restrict cycles, and body image distress can worsen mood and anxiety, while mental health can affect weight.

2) What it feels like

• “My body isn’t good enough.”
• “Food controls my mood.”

3) Common signs & symptoms

• negative body image
• restriction or binge eating
• avoidance
• shame and comparison
• mood changes linked to food

4) Why it happens

• diet culture pressure
• trauma and coping
• anxiety or depression
• hormonal or medication effects

5) Triggers

• mirrors
• social media
• weight talk

6) What helps now

• body neutrality
• regular meals
• reduce comparison
• focus on wellbeing behaviours
• self-compassion

7) Daily self-help support

• gentle routines
• supportive environments

8) Professional treatment options

• eating disorder services
• dietitian support
• CBT
• trauma therapy

9) Medication

Medication may affect appetite or weight; review with GP if concerned.

10) Practical tips

• your body is not your worth

11) When to seek urgent help

Urgent help if eating behaviours become unsafe or weight changes rapidly.

12) Where to get help (UK)

• GP support
• NHS Talking Therapies
• Beat

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