A new research study published in the journal Body Image has determined that prospective brides who feel pressured to lose weight before their wedding are more likely to experience weight gain later on.
The study, by researchers at Flinders University in South Australia examined wedding-related weight changes in nearly 350 brides one month before their wedding, and six months later.
More than half the brides-to-be admitted to wanting to lose weight before their wedding. Nearly half of these, wished to lose an average of nine kilograms by their wedding date. The researchers noted that half the brides who wanted to lose weight before getting married, did actually lose weight – with most of them losing between one and two kilograms.
It would appear that the brides are responding to societal pressure to appear slim, equating thinness with beauty. While it is normal to want to look beautiful on your wedding day, the researchers suggest that the brides in their study are demonstrating a more troubling trend towards an artificial standard of perfection.
Following their weddings, many of the brides who had restricted their eating and undertaken a regular exercise schedule, stopped abruptly. The researchers commented that after the wedding, it was as though keeping fit and healthy didn’t matter to them anymore. This behavior pattern sets the stage for yo-yo dieting due to ongoing weight loss and gain, and long-term body image dissatisfaction.
Research indicates that healthy balanced meals and a regular exercise program are best for maintaining an ideal weight and level of fitness throughout one’s life. Losing weight for a specific occasion such as getting married is strongly discouraged.
The researchers add that women getting married should not be looking for perfection, and that a caring partner will love them for who they are, not for their weight.
MedIndia
Click on a state below to find eating disorder treatment options that could be right for you.
For individuals, friends and families who are looking to connect during life's challenging times. Share personal experiences, evaluate information and get support during times of need, illness, treatment or recovery.
The information provided on EatingDisordersOnline.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her health professional. This information is solely for informational and educational purposes and we encourage all visitors to see a licensed physician if they believe that they have an eating disorder. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Neither the owners or employees of EatingDisordersOnline.com nor the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading this site. Always speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Please see our Legal Statement for further information.
.tiny.jpg "tiny")
Eating Disorder Support Groups at SupportGroups.com provides a network for those facing life's challenges. Click on the following links to get the support you need in a confidential, caring environment.
If you or a loved one is suffering from an eating disorder and need help entering into recovery then we are here to offer help in any way we can. We have over 2,000 Treatment Facilities and Treatment Professionals listed on our Directory. You can search by Zip Code, City or State. Click here to search for a Treatment Facility that is right for you.
