With so many people losing significant amounts of weight thru diet or bariatric surgery, there is always the potential for some serious issues that may result from this. The term Ghost Fat has been coined as one of these issues. READ ON to learn more about this important aspect of weight loss of any kind that could be affecting you or a loved one…
The stigma of being overweight has long been studied as well as the many psychological affects this has on a person. Just because someone loses weight doesn’t mean their perception of themselves change and they don’t “see” they have lost weight even though so many improvements have occurred. When someone fits this scenario, they have what is being called “ghost fat” or “phantom fat”. The concern is it may cause a person to keep losing more and more and more weight…
So much of this starts with dissatisfaction with their body image to begin with prior to weight loss. Often after weight loss has occurred the skin is saggy and looks different adding to the dissatisfaction. Body image is not just what you see in the mirror. According to psychologist, Sheethal Reddy, PhD at Emory it is “the mental construct of our physical selves”. Previous studies have evaluated this in anorexia and bulimia but with the ability to produce rapid weight loss with the new injectable medications like semaglutide and bariatric surgery we are seeing this in some of these individuals.
Not everyone who loses weight will experience this. Prior history of trauma, abuse, mental health issues as well as a potential genetic component have all been potential underlying issues for this occurring.
Since the person involved doesn’t “see” their weight loss as a problem, it is up to family and friends to identify the potential issue and guide them to help.
There are several tools that may be useful…
- Talk to the person. Before you jump to any conclusion about their weight, there might actually be a medical reason they are losing weight and can’t help it. See talking tips down below.
- Consult a physician or mental health professional that ideally sees the person and express your concerns. They legally cannot speak to you about that person’s case but they can listen to your concerns.
- Do this questionnaire with the person: If they score high then you know they need help. I wouldn’t start out with presenting this to them right off the bat. It will need to be strategic and only within a safe discussion.
Talking tips. This can be tricky because remember this person doesn’t see anything wrong with their weight loss.
According to Center for Change there are several do’s and don’ts when speaking to someone about their weight loss. Their recommendations focus on women but remember that men can experience this, also. These are taken directly from their website verbatim….
What to say…
- I’m worried about you…Tell the truth about what you see, and do so with love.
- I could be wrong, but…. Allow your friend dignity while standing firm on your request. Ask that, if nothing else, she schedule a visit with their doctor for a routine checkup.
- I’m here because I want to help…Remove any concern your friend may have about the future of your relationship or your view of her struggle. Assure her that your only desire is to help.
Do NOT say…
- You look…. Make no mention of your friend’s body, positive or other. Leave this to the professionals.
- All you need to do is… With statements like these, you belittle a serious issue
- Your behavior makes me feel…. Your friend’s eating disorder is not a personal attack against you. Be sure it doesn’t sound like you see her actions this way.
This is a serious issue and eating disorders are on the rise regardless if associated with weight loss drugs/surgeries. Eating disorders are one of the deadliest mental illnesses.
If you have noticed a friend, family member or co-worker with excessive weight loss that crosses over into appearing to be an unhealthy range then take action! This is not easy. Even as a physician it is a hard subject to approach so I recommend a mental health professional’s involvement!
To your health,
Laura
