Body image issues are an element of one's overall somatic perception, an important domain of personal power. The way we perceive and relate to our body colors many aspects of our daily lives including our interactions with others. If we maintain a primarily negative view of ourselves, we give up much personal power in our relationships and other human encounters. Many people think body image is primarily an issue for people who aren't stereotypically thin, or who have an eating disorder. In actuality, body image is more about how you see yourself, what you tell yourself about your body, how you describe your body and how you think, feel & behave toward your body. There are many classically trim people who daily struggle with discomfort, shame, embarrassment and hatred about their bodies. Body image is not necessarily about dieting or what you eat, though that may be an important aspect; however you can still change your body image without dieting or controlling what you eat.

Disturbed body image can derive from a variety of sources. Simply being repeatedly shamed or scolded by your parents about your eating habits, or hearing comments about your tendency towards obesity, can instill a sense that your body, and you, are pretty shameful entities. Other more damaging history may also be at play. Physical and or sexual abuse in your past can be a potent source of warped body image. Individuals with whom I