Body Image Disturbances

Body image disturbances are a core symptom of the eating disorders anorexia and bulimia nervosa. Thus, patients with these eating disorders suffer from pronounced fears of weight gain and disturbances in how they perceive and evaluate body shape and weight. In addition, weight and shape can have a significant impact on individuals' self-evaluation. Body image disturbances can also occur in binge eating disorder, e.g., in terms of body and figure evaluation or in terms of affective reactions towards the body. This article presents findings from basic research that can contribute to a better understanding of body image disturbances and provide implications for psychotherapy.