What common body image issue do individuals with eating disorders often experience?

Individuals with eating disorders frequently experience a distorted perception of body image. This distortion involves an unrealistic or skewed view of one's physical appearance, often leading them to see themselves as overweight or unappealing even if they are at a healthy weight or underweight. This misperception can significantly influence their self-esteem and can contribute to disordered eating behaviors as they strive to reach an ideal that is unattainable or unhealthy.

In the context of eating disorders, this distorted perception is a key factor that perpetuates the cycle of the disorder. It significantly affects how individuals view food, their bodies, and their self-worth. By understanding this body image issue, it becomes clearer that addressing the cognitive aspects of body image is vital in the treatment of eating disorders.

The other options relate to aspects that are less accurate in the context of common issues experienced by those with eating disorders. For instance, underestimating weight might be part of the problem, but it is not as encompassing as the broader issue of distorted body image, while confidence in weight and developing healthy eating habits typically contrast with the experience of individuals suffering from these disorders.