This process is based on the powerful biological striving for connection with others, to belong, to be accepted, to be loved. The magical rescue fantasy cannot coexist with self-acceptance and loving valuation of self or with rejection of the cultural devaluation of women. To deal with these losses and fears, alternative support systems must be in place. Women need the support of other women and men who join them in recognizing and rejecting society's devaluation of women. A parallel process can occur with individual healing.
Women then can work for lasting, healthy change in their bodies.
Concurrently, women can work for change in their culture because they have to-for themselves, for their sisters, and for their daughters. Roni Funk is a clinical social worker in private practice and the director of the Atlanta Center for Overcoming Overeating. She is working on a Ph.D. in social work at the University of Georgia.