As Latter-day Saints we are counseled to take good care of our bodies. This includes avoiding harmful substances, eating healthy and exercising. It is important that as we do this that we remember that health is the general goal in mind. It is too easy to become wrapped up in wanting to achieve a certain body size or type and that can lead to dangerous eating and exercise habits.
I personally know three people who have struggled with different types of eating disorders. One started out on a healthy diet and exercise program, but quickly became obsessed with losing more weight. She entered a contest with her sister to see who could drop the most pregnancy fat. She went on a healthy diet but between exercising and nursing, she burned a lot more calories than she should have. She lost down to less than 100 pounds, and was 5’4″. Since then she has struggled with her weight. A dietician told her that she changed her metabolism because of the way she treated her body.
With all the pressure that society puts on us to have a perfect body or a certain look it can be difficult to remind yourself that health is the goal that you should be aiming for. It is important to remember that Heavenly Father loves us for who we are, and not because we fit into a size six. It is important to maintain good physical health, but these should be realistic expectations based on your height, age, and frame size.
You can learn more about nutrition guidelines at providentliving.org. You can also learn more about exercise guidelines as well. You can learn more about eating disorders by reading “The Thinness Obsession.” It is also important to be encouraging and supportive to those around you. Your encouraging words and compliments might help someone who is struggling with their personal body image.