When it comes to weight, teens can be mean, judgmental and hurtful; there’s so much negativity.
This is why it makes sense that a new study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior revealed that teens who self-weigh report feelings of depression, low self-esteem and other weight concerns, making them more vulnerable to eating disorders.
Furthermore, according to its researchers, the female teens who had participated and reported self-weighing had a more than 75% increased chance of engaging in dangerous behaviors that connected with weight control.
And it makes sense. Looking back, I honestly believe this is what sparked my two eating disorders. I kept relying on a scale to tell me how beautiful or how adequate I was. Weighing a certain number meant so much to me at the time.
Moreover, when the number was not what I thought was “ideal” or what I wanted to see, then I would get depressed and suffer from low self-esteem. It was this constant yo-yo of experiences. These self-destructive experiences ate up the bulk of the beginning of my teenage years, and it was all because of a number on a scale.
If you’re a teen or young adult who is struggling with the number on the scale, here’s my advice to you:
1. The number on the scale does NOT define your worth!
Scales are just a series of numbers. I never use scales anymore, because I know that they can be triggers for me. Even when I go to the doctor’s office, I tell them not to tell me. Trust me, I have been in recovery for many years now, but I still know what can trigger my eating disorders. So remember, a scale does not and should not tell you tell you how incredible you are. It’s just a series of endless numbers. You decide for yourself how great you are. You are the one to decide to own your body for what it is. Love your curves and love the skin you’re in.
2. A scale cannot tell you how your body feels.
Instead of using a scale to tell me my weight, I go by how I feel, like how my jeans or clothes feel when I put them on. As a teen, you are bound to go up and down as your body changes, and it’s the same thing as an adult when dealing with stress. Therefore, go by how you feel. Be mindful of the types of foods you eat, how much sleep you’re getting each night and your self-care practices. This brings me to my next point.
To read the rest of this story from our partner, Proud2BMe, click here.
Need A Massage? Learn How To Give One To Yourself And Your Loved Ones
Receiving a massage, whether it’s given by someone else or self-administered, can help loosen your muscles and establish a better connection not only with your body but also with the people you love.
