Phantom Fat: Understanding Why Some Weight Loss Patients Don't See Their New Bodies
By
Batya Swift Yasgur, MA, LSW
Summary
This article explores the psychological phenomenon of "phantom fat" or "ghost fat," where individuals who have lost significant weight still perceive themselves as overweight or larger than they actually are. It examines the disconnect between physical reality and body image perception, discussing how this vestigial body image persists even after dramatic weight loss through diet, medication, or bariatric surgery. The article covers the psychological drivers behind this experience, including neural pathways that haven't updated to reflect the new body shape, and explores potential treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mirror exposure therapy, and other psychological interventions to help patients align their self-perception with their actual appearance.
Source
Twitter / XPhantom Fat: Understanding Why Some Weight Loss Patients Don't See Their New Bodiesmdsc.peKey quotes
· 3 pulledSome patients don't 'see' they've lost weight — a phenomenon referred to as 'phantom fat,' 'ghost fat,' or 'vestigial body image.'
Most people are happy with their appearance, or at least their body shape, after weight loss — although some are unhappy with the loose, sagging skin that can follow weight loss and seek plastic surgery to remedy that.
What drives this experience, and how can it be treated?
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