Today there is a lot of pressure to conform to unrealistic and unhealthy standards of beauty. People who are underweight or overweight are often judged, discriminated against, or stigmatized for their appearance. Such displays of body shaming can come from strangers, friends, family, or even oneself. It can happen in person, online, or in the media and can be intentional or unintentional, but it always hurts.
Body shaming can make people feel ashamed, insecure, or unworthy of respect and love. It can also lead to serious mental and physical consequences. One of these consequences is obesophobia, which is also known as pocrescophobia. Could you have this anxiety disorder?
Obesophobia causes a person to have an extreme fear of gaining weight. It may be caused by social pressure, body image issues, or past trauma. For example, someone who was abused or bullied because of their weight may develop obesophobia.
This disorder can cause physical and psychological symptoms, such as trembling, palpitations, struggling to breathe, poor appetite, malnutrition, lack of energy, feeling overweight, excessive exercising, and insomnia.
Obesophobia can affect a persons social life and relationships. They may isolate themselves from others, avoid situations that involve food, or feel judged or criticized by others. They may also have low self-esteem and confidence.
Do you feel someone you know might have obesophobia? Help is always available for people with anxiety disorders and those who care for them. The internet will guide you to the relevant services in your country of residence. Find those services. Use them to help the person suffering and get support for yourself to make helping them easier.
If you think you may be a victim of this disorder, speak with a health care professional to find out more information.
