A new study of 2,000 Caucasian and African-American girls found that losing weight does not necessarily improve body image. The study followed the subjects for ten years starting at age nine or ten. The girls were initially placed into one of three categories: normal weight, transitioning from obese to normal weight, or chronically obese; they filled out self-image questionnaires every other year. Girls who lost weight did not always gain more self-esteem over time. Studies show children develop negative perceptions of obese people before they ever become obese themselves. Mental health professionals are urged to pay attention to identity body issues, as addressing them could help with weight loss efforts.

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