Susan

http://www.car-insurance-choices.com

Right. Studies of body image dissatisfaction have shown that asians in Hong Kong, especially males, suffer from less body image dissatisfaction. On the other hand, Body Dysmorphic Disorder has a similar prevalence regardless.

the diagnostic criteria for BDD require significant impairment

Just curious about this.
Sherry

Over the last five years, a big change in both my body and appearance has occurred; most notably 130lbs worth of a difference (http://www.flickr.com/photos/letsgetdecadent/sets/72157604056149320/.) But as strange as it sounds, there are still times where I feel ABSOLUTELY no different then I did 130lbs ago. Why? I honestly don’t know. I have talked with people whom have also lost a great deal of weight and they contest that this is quite common and that it fades with time. Admittedly, this is something that has gotten ‘better’ with time and I feel better knowing that other people can relate but it’s never something I look forward to, even minimally.

A few months ago I went to Disney world with my family (http://www.flickr.com/photos/letsgetdecadent/2522553132/in/set-72157605285592795/) and when I first saw this picture I was disappointed because I honestly felt as if I looked ‘fat.’ I remember on this day feeling as if I looked good amidst the fact that I wearing a skirt without tights or stockings for the first time since I was a probably 7 or 8. I have always felt my legs are/were ‘too meaty’ to be exposed without some sort of coverage. But, I was in Florida and hot and well, I have been trying my very best to make serious head-way with my insecurities. What I have found over the years that hiding behind my fears and moments of self doubt gets me absolutely nothing but grief and grief is good for nothing but furthering my insecurities. So, as stupid and retarded as it sounds, I forced myself to do something that many people do without even giving it a lick of thought or a second guess. The second big huddle was looking at this picture and posting it, even though I wish it turned out different. I can’t explain how long it took me to push the upload button; but it took longer then it should have.

I don’t know why I feel I appear ‘fat’ when I weigh 145lbs (at 5′10) and in this picture I am wearing a size 4 skirt. Although my legs are in fact BIG there is a good deal of muscle present, muscle that has carried me hundreds and hundreds of miles (I am a marathoner); but even still, at first glance, that was my honest initial thought process. Five years ago, if I could have predicted I would feel this way and be frothing at the mouth about these things, I would have sent a big meaty punch to my head well into the future. And, then there are times when I am walking down the street and catch a glance of myself and don’t even recognize the reflection I see before me. It happens more then you’d think it would and I am most commonly completely taken back and will literally think, ‘Holy crap, that IS me!’ Those moments are proud ones for me. Being able to actually see what you’ve done on your own, with your own two hands, never giving up is a huge DINOSAUR-SIZED reward then I couldn’t even begin to describe.

I’m not one to give up and I have the determination of a fucking wilder beast but I know this is a demon I can’t chase off completely – It’s always been there and probably always will, even if somewhat diminished and half defeated. I deal with it as it presents itself and will consider to do so with every last bit of determination I have. Some days are simply easier then others.