9781422288450

“Beauty comes in all ages, colors, shapes, and forms. God never makes junk.”

—Kathy Ireland, U.S. Model

who’s overweight or obese ends up feeling this way, but many do, particularly teens and women. The emotional costs for them are huge, and they carry them for a lifetime. What treatments are available? Obviously, if suicide is even remotely on your mind, see your doctor immediately. You should also see your doctor if you are experiencing depression or persistent negative feelings about your- self. Your doctor will likely refer you to a psychiatrist who may prescribe an SSRI to elevate serotonin levels. Counseling and nutritional assistance are also common and beneficial therapies. And, as shown in every chapter so far, shedding a healthy amount of weight, then maintaining that weight through regular exercise and smart eating habits is perhaps the most effective therapy.

Text-Dependent Questions: 1. How has the media (television, movies, maga- zines, etc.) caused Americans to be image conscious? 2. Why is common for a person who is over- weight to avoid social situations?

3. How are genetics connected with body weight? 4. Why do many researchers believe that people who are obese are using food as medication?

Weighing on Your Mind: The Psychological Impact / 89