Definition for Ladies Spring 2014 Issue 001 April 2014 | Page 60

to obtain a specific number, whether on a scale or as a BMI value, is to think about the
individual self. Consider your genetic predisposition, personal history and experiences.
Simply ask yourself: “What is the healthiest body image for me?” If you are genetically
predisposed to be thin, there is no reason to try desperately to gain weight. Be thin,
self-confident and happy. If you are normal weight, there is no reason to strive for the
‘thin-model’ ideal. How would you really like to feel and see yourself? Do you want to be
skinny, undernourished and weak? Or rather make the best out of your body embodying
health, strength, self-confidence and self-satisfaction?
What about those who are overweight or even obese? Should they become obsessed with
dieting to lose weight to become healthier and prolong their lifespan? The answer is: No!
Healthy lifestyle habits are much more important than focusing on BMI or the number
on the scale.8 Eating enough fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, consuming
alcohol only in moderation and not smoking significantly reduces the risk of all causes of
mortality for overweight and obese individuals. Also, the same healthy living overweight
individuals have a twice-lower mortality risk than people within a normal BMI range
who do not adhere to the healthy habits described above. Regular exercise has not only a
positive impact on the general health but also on your body image. Athletic women are
more self-satisfied and have less drive for thinness than their non-athletic peers.9 It does
not matter whether the sport is speed- or technique-focused. Running track and playing
golf both have the same positive impact on women’s body image.
Ladies, forget all the numbers! Research proves that numbers do not matter! Live a
healthy lifestyle, fuel your body with plants, be active and do not put anything toxic into
your body. It’s so simple. Following these guidelines, you will find your natural balance.
Your weight will settle into the range that is healthy, good and natural for you. Just for
you! Because you are the one who matters! •
Anastasia discovered the fascinating world of strength
training while pursuing a PhD in biochemistry. She plans to
compete in powerlifting and figure in the near future.
Find Anastasia online: Facebook
Illustration by Belinda Jansen.

References
(1) Diedrichs, P. C.; Lee, C.; Kelly, M. Body Image 2011, 8, 259–66.
(2) Bair, C. E.; Kelly, N. R.; Serdar, K. L.; Mazzeo, S. E. Eat. Behav. 2012, 13, 398–401.
(3) The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness EATING DISPRDERS STATISTICS
http://www.ndsu.edu/fileadmin/counseling/Eating_Disorder_Statistics.pdf.

(6) Pisanski, K.; Feinberg, D. R. Cross-Cultural Res. 2013, 47,
162–197.
(7) Lassek, W. Psychol. Today 2012.

(4) Quick, V. M.; Byrd-Bredbenner, C. Eat. Behav. 2014, 15, 37–41.

(8) Matheson, E. M.; King, D. E.; Everett, C. J. J. Am. Board Fam.
Med. 2012, 25, 9–15.

(5) Tovée, M. J.; Maisey, D. S.; Emery, J. L.; Cornelissen, P. L. Proc. Biol. Sci. 1999, 266, 211–8.

(9) Robinson, K.; Ferraro, F. R. J. Psychol. 2004, 138, 115–28.

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