It makes perfect sense that many of us obsess over our bodies. There is nothing more inescapable. Our bodies moves us through our lives. They bring pleasure and pain. Sometimes our bodies serve us well, and other times our bodies become terribly inconvenient. There are times when our bodies betray us or our bodies are betrayed by others. I think about my body all the time-how it looks, how it feels, how I can make it smaller, what I should put into it, what I am putting into it, what has been done to it, what I do to it, what I let others do to it. This bodily preoccupation is exhausting. There is no one more self-absorbed than a fat person
Many people have a complex relationship with their bodies, which are integral to our daily experiences. Our bodies not only allow us to navigate life but also elicit a range of emotions, from joy to discomfort. This connection often leads to feelings of obsession, particularly as we grapple with how our bodies fulfill or hinder us. The dynamics of bodily autonomy can complicate these feelings, especially when external influences affect how we perceive ourselves.
This constant preoccupation with physical appearance can be mentally draining, as we find ourselves frequently assessing our bodies. Thoughts about weight, food intake, and external perceptions emerge continuously, marking a struggle with self-identity. The pressures surrounding body image can be particularly intense for those who do not fit societal ideals, highlighting a sense of being consumed by self-critique and the opinions of others.