Poor body image can lead to eating disorders. Although anorexia and bulimia are disorders that predominantly effect females, about 2 percent of males meet the criteria for a diagnosis of one or the other.

At age 16, I developed disordered eating habits that lasted for more than twenty-years. Initially, with the help of diet pills, I would eat less than 100 calories a day and exercise extensively. I got down to 120lbs from my starting weight of 185lbs.

After a few months my appetite went on a rampage and I would binge eat and then purge. This lasted for a few years and I maintained my weight between 135 and 150lbs. Read: Treatment for Binge Eating.

In my twenties I became a compulsive overeater. I would still binge but rarely purge. Steadily my weight soared to 285lbs in my late thirties. I developed diabetes and hypertension. Worst of all, I suffered greatly from depression. Read: Am I Obese Because I am Depressed or Depressed Because I am Obese?

Teen Depression and Weight

Many teenagers are clinically depressed because of their preoccupation with
being overweight. Many obese teens rate their quality of life at the same level as do cancer patients who are receiving chemotherapy. Studies have shown that depression, low self-esteem, and social isolation by obese teens leads to behavioral problems. When these children are grown, they are less likely to be accepted into college or to get married and are more likely to have a lower socioeconomic status. Read: The Benefits of Bariatric Surgery for Severely Obese Adolescents.

References:
DrDolgof.com - http://drdolgoff.com/blog/2009/04/17/the-devastating-psychological-effects-of-child-obesity/
Overweight Teen - http://www.overweightteen.com/
Ygoy - http://obesity.ygoy.com/2011/02/10/worst-psychological-effects-of-teenage-obesity/

What to read next: “Surviving Chubby” – My Journey to Weight-Loss Surgery

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My Story... 

You can read about my decision to have weight loss surgery back in 2003, and since that time my journey from processed food junkie to healthy living so as to maintain a lifetime of obesity disease management. My wish is to help you on your own journey of lifetime obesity disease management. Whether you are planning or have had bariatric surgery, or you want to lose weight through non-surgical means, my shareposts along the way will help you to navigate your journey successfully.