What negative outcomes can arise from a negative body image?

A negative body image can significantly impact an individual’s mental and physical health, with increased possibility of disordered eating being one of the most concerning outcomes. When a person perceives their body negatively, it can lead to unhealthy eating patterns, such as extreme calorie restriction, binge eating, or the use of harmful weight control measures like purging or excessive exercise. These behaviors are often rooted in a desire to change one's body to fit an idealized standard, which can spiral into disordered eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder.

Disordered eating is not just about food; it often stem from the psychological distress that arises from dissatisfaction with one's body. This dissatisfaction can contribute to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, further compounding the issues related to body image.

Other outcomes, such as enhanced self-esteem or improved physical health, would typically be associated with a positive body image rather than a negative one. Similarly, it would be unlikely for someone with a negative body image to experience reduced stress levels, as the distress and anxiety linked to their body perception can actually increase stress.