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Body checking refers to an obsessive thought and behavior about appearance, usually used to judge weight and shape. It may present as frequently hopping on the scale, looking in the mirror, pinching or wrapping a hand around stomach, waist, thighs, arms, comparing oneself against others, checking the fit of clothes, measuring yourself, asking others for assurance, etc. It can show up in a variety of pervasive ways.

Why do we body check?

The way in which one may body check looks different for everyone. However, the theme of why one may want to body check is quite similar. Body checking is done in attempt to feel better about one's body, more specifically about the parts one may wish were different. The belief is that body checking will provide us with some relief and help in decreasing the anxiety or worry we are feeling, making us feel better and/or feel more in control.

What does body checking actually do for us?

The problem with body checking is that what we are looking for when we body check is not actually what we receive. Something I like to compare it to is when people "ask doctor google" to feel some relief about symptoms they may be experiencing. However, in actuality, doing so ends up making us feel more nervous and scared. Googling symptoms provides a false sense of security that usually leaves us feeling worse. Body checking is similar in that the reassurance may only be momentary and then followed by heightened anxiety and fear.

However, do not take my word for it. Experience is the greatest teacher. Try raising some awareness around your body checking behaviors. How do you feel before body checking and after body checking? Do you actually get what you are looking for?

How does body checking keep you stuck in the eating disorder:

Body checking fuels and maintains the eating disorder. It is like many other eating disorder behaviors, such as restriction or overexercising. These behaviors all strengthen the eating disorder voice.

The model below shows how when responding to negative emotions, body checking is performed in order to reduce this aversive state. Consequently, the effect of body checking to stop negative emotions negatively reinforces and thus maintains body checking behavior. Therefore, it can be assumed that body checking is maintained through negative reinforcement.

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How Body Checking Will Keep you Stuck in your Eating Disorder - Side by Side Nutrition

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Body checking is done to attempt to feel better about one's body, more specifically about the parts one may wish were different. The belief is that body checking will provide us with some relief and help in decreasing the anxiety or worry we are feeling.