Body Image Quiz for Plus-Size Women

Every woman, regardless of her size, has
body image issues. But this is
especially true for plus-size women.
Because women's bodies are constantly
scrutinized and commented upon, and
Madison Avenue and the media promote
unrealistic ideals, how could it be
otherwise?

In reality, our bodies - no matter what
their shape or size - are wondrous
things. They keep us moving through our
world, they have an amazing capacity to
heal themselves and they are intriguing
in their diversity of beauty.

Take this quiz to discover what your
body image says about you:

1. Think of three things you love about
your body. Okay, how long did

it take you to come up with your list?

A. Less than 15 seconds

B. Under a minute

C. About five minutes

D. I'm still thinking

2. How often do you weigh yourself?

A. Never

B. Once a month

C. Once a week

D. Almost every day

3. What best describes your thoughts
when you stand without clothes in front
of a mirror?

A. "Boy, am I hot, or what?"

B. "Hmmm... My (body part) is kind of
nice."

C. "I've got to do something about my
(body part)."

D. I would never stand without clothes
in front of a mirror

4. What are you most likely to wear to a
rollicking party?

A. Something slinky that shows off my
curves

B. An outfit with a fitted silhouette

C. Something loose and comfortable

D. An outfit that hides my (body part)

5. How often do you choose not to
participate in an activity (go to a
party or swim, for example) because of
your body shape or size?

A. Never

B. Rarely

C. Sometimes

D. Frequently

6. When you make love, do you:

A. Delight in your partner's enjoyment
of your body?

B. Have fleeting doubts about your
attractiveness to your partner?

C. Cringe when your partner touches your
(body part)?

D. Insist upon turning off the lights
first?

7. When you receive a compliment about
your appearance, do you feel:

A. Deserving

B. Flattered

C. Suspicious

D. Incredulous

8. What is your response when a friend
or co-worker complains about how fat she
is?

A. "Get over it!"

B. "You look terrific to me."

C. "I know exactly what you mean."

D. "Let's join that new diet center
tomorrow."

Scoring:

Add up your total number of points,
according to the following scale:

A = 6 points, B = 4 points, C = 2 points
and D = 0 points.

40+ points:

Body Politic: You go, girl! You've
overcome the negativity in the world
around you and are proud of your curves.
Your confidence and your determination
to live your life fully are admirable.
Maybe you should consider writing a
book, giving a workshop or finding other
ways to share your success with those
who struggle with body image issues.

25 - 39 points:

Body Beautiful: Virtually everyone has
days when they feel less than
attractive, but you're well on your way
to loving every inch of your beautiful
body. Remember to give yourself a break
and take a look at the marvelous variety
of body types around you. Think about
the aspects of your body you with which
you are less than pleased, and come up
with affirmations to counteract the
negative thoughts you might have. Stand
in front of a mirror twice a day and
repeat the affirmations - you'll
eventually believe them!

10 - 24 points:

Body Shop: You need to do some repairs
to your body image. Start focusing on
the positive instead of the negative,
and remember that your self-esteem is
linked to the way you perceive your
body. Don't let the way you feel about
your body prevent you from getting all
you want out of life. Take the time to
look your very best and drink in the
compliments of those around you. Remind
yourself that you deserve the accolades,
and replay them in your mind when you're
feeling negative. Eventually, you'll
begin to believe your own press!

9 points or less:

Body Blow: Life is too short to feel so
badly about your body. You need to
understand that your body, with all its
seeming "imperfections" is a miracle.
Try and open yourself to the possibility
that you are fine just the way you are.
Read related books, see a therapist that
specializes in body image issues and
seek support from friends in your
journey. It takes work to get to a place
of self-acceptance, but the rewards are
immeasurable.

Every woman, regardless of her size, has body image issues.
But this is especially true for plus-size women. Because
women's bodies are constantly scrutinized and commented
upon, and Madison Avenue and the media promote unrealistic
ideals, how could it be otherwise?

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