Declaration of Independence from a Weight-Obsessed World

Declaration of Independence from a Weight-Obsessed

World

Many people suffer every day from their struggles around food, their weight, and their self-image. If

you have an eating disorder like bulimia, anorexia, or binge eating then these problems are likely having

a significant effect on your physical as well as your mental health. But even if you don’t have a

diagnosed problem, your constant dieting and feelings of low self-esteem are undoubtedly keeping you

from living a meaningful and fulfilling life.

Your journey overcoming your problems with weight and food can begin with a simple declaration that

you are determined to change your attitude and your behavior around food. The following declaration

was developed by the National Eating Disorder Association. You should read it, sign it, and then read it

at the beginning of each day. You may want to circle the statements that are most important for you to

remember throughout the day.

Of course, this is only the start of overcoming your problems around eating. Click this link

https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/screening-tool

for a screening tool to help you determine the

severity of your problems around eating and what you can do about them.

The Declaration

I, the undersigned, do hereby declare that this day forward I will choose to live my

life by the following tenets. In so doing, I declare myself free and independent

from the pressures and constraints of a weight-obsessed world.

I will accept my body in its natural shape and size.

I will celebrate all that my body can do for me each day.

I will treat my body with respect, giving it enough rest, fueling it with a variety of

foods, exercising it moderately, and listening to what it needs.

I will choose to resist our society’s pressures to judge myself and other people on

physical characteristics like body weight, shape, or size. I will respect people

based on the qualities of their character and the impact of their accomplishments.

I will refuse to deny my body of valuable nutrients by dieting or using weight loss

products.

I will avoid categorizing foods as either “good” or “bad.” I will not associate guilt

or shame with eating certain foods. Instead, I will nourish my body with a balance

of foods, listening and responding to what it needs.

I will not use food to mask my emotional needs.

I will not avoid participating in activities that I enjoy (i.e., swimming, dancing,

enjoying a meal) simply because I am self-conscious about the way my body

looks. I will recognize that I have the right to enjoy any activities regardless of my

body shape or size.

I will believe that my self-esteem and identity come from within!

__________________________________________________ ________________

Signature Date

and Referral Helpline: 800.931.2237