The fat mind: you've lost weight, but you still don't feel like the woman others see. Here we explore the concept of "phantom fat" and how to deal with the image in the mirror

Muscle & Fitness/Hers, July, 2003 by Carrie Curtis

M & F Hers: Do some women who have lost weight sabotage themselves, thinking, "I am fat," until they eventually put the weight back on?

Greenleaf: Yes, the statement, "I am fat" becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Our own self-talk (what we say to ourselves) shapes our behaviors. Self-talk is pretty powerful, partly because it is so automatic. That is why it is important to increase your awareness of your own self-talk.

M & F Hers: Should a positive body image throw out the words "fat" and "thin" and instead focus on "healthy"?

Greenleaf: Yes. Improving health and fitness are more realistic goals than trying to be "thin." For most people, the images we see in the media are completely unrealistic and unattainable. No matter how much we exercise and/or diet, few of us will look like supermodels.

M & F Hers: Can a woman change her body image without losing weight at all?

Greenleaf: Some research has found that improved body image can occur regardless of actual weight loss. That means that it isn't necessarily weight loss that causes improved body image. Something else, such as improved fitness, improved competence or a sense of accomplishment may contribute to a better body image.

M & F Hers: Where can women turn for additional information on body image?

Greenleaf: A good resource is The Body Image Workbook (Cash, New Harbinger Publications, 1997). It is a wonderful, easy-to-read workbook with practical advice and exercises focused on improving body image.

Christy Greenleaf, PhD. is an assistant professor in the department of kinesiology, health promotion and recreation. University of North Texas (UNT). She is a research coordinator for UNT's Center for Sport Psychology and Performance Excellence. Her areas of research include body image and disordered eating among exercisers and athletes. Currently, she is a member of the Texas Chilly Peppers, an adult synchronized skating team.

Carrie Curtis is a free-lance writer who frequently contributes to M & F HERS magazine.

INTERVIEW WITH CHRISTY GREENLEAF, PHD, BY CARRIE CURTIS