Weight issues and trauma

[HLYork]

Those who are working on weight issues, read these belief patterns carefully. The studies showed that: If there’s obesity, especially morbid obesity, there’s a good chance that something tragic or traumatic happened in that person’s history at one point or another.

Abused children may eat as a coping mechanism, a pattern that continues into adulthood.
Increasing size by gaining weight may offer protection from physical threats (or protecting others by being ‘big’) Weight gain may repel sexual abusers, and help adults avoid sexual advances or assault. People may believe that being heavy is socially protective, that society will expect less from and think less of someone who is obese. (look at self esteem issues and cultural norms)

 

The emotions associated with abuse are thought to lead to higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in the bloodstream. This can increase appetite.

 

https://www.syracuse.com/…/linking_sexual_abuse_to…

 

 

 

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