For many people, body image isn’t just one part of their identity—it becomes the piece that feels most tied to how they’re seen, how they see themselves, and whether or not they’re “enough.”

This isn’t vanity or superficiality. It’s a reflection of deeper psychological and cultural forces.

In a society that idealizes thinness, control, and appearance, it’s no surprise that so many of us internalize the idea that our value is directly tied to how we look. That message doesn’t just float in the background—it’s reinforced constantly through media, families, peers, and even healthcare systems.

And when other sources of identity or self-worth feel shaky—because of trauma, bullying, attachment wounds, or social marginalization—the body often becomes the most accessible place to focus. It becomes the project. The thing we can fix, control, or at least try to.

For many individuals struggling with eating disorders, body image concerns........

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