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The True Cost Of Being Thin In Middle Age

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(Mingaling/Flickr)
(Mingaling/Flickr)

For many of us, stepping onto the bathroom scales provokes more fear and loathing than getting a shot, taking an exam or public speaking. And the fear doesn't ease with age: in fact, a new report from the University of North Carolina has found that a mere 12 per cent of women aged 50 and over are "satisfied" with their body size. The study also found that this small group of "satisfied" women would no longer be happy with their bodies if they gained five pounds — making it clear that "body satisfaction" is incredibly fleeting and fragile.

Guests

Jean Fain, psychotherapist and author of the book, "The Self-Compassion Diet: Guided Practices to Lose Weight With Loving Kindness."

Rachel Zimmerman, co-host of WBUR's CommonHealth blog.

Resources

Jean Fain recommends these sites for further help:

The Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association

The National Eating Disorders Association

Binge Eating Disorder Association

This segment aired on October 28, 2013.

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