Here are quick DIETnosis.com descriptions of each Enneagram Type’s issues with Body Image.
Type Ones are harsh judges of their bodies. They compare them to some ideal that they have in their mind. Type Ones tend to see the imperfections with their bodies or see them as morally wrong — full of urges to suppress. If a Type One is overweight it may be related to binge eating after self deprivation, after a few alcoholic drinks or eating foods they feel are “good” or “righteous.”
Type Twos have a forgiving and positive outlook about their physical bodies because they see them as vessels from which to serve others. They feel that service is more important than their actual image. Overtime if a Two is significantly self-neglecting, then they become overweight.
Type Three’s self-worth tends to be dependent on their physical image and how they feel they are perceived. They are harshly judgmental about their bodies and look for approval outside themselves. Anorexia or bigorexia are sometimes seen in Type Threes related to this image consciousness. If a Three is overweight, then how they feel they are being judged in likely unrelated to weight — such as status, or money.
Type Fours have merged their identity with their external appearance and wanting to change their looks as they change emotionally. They search for an idealized image — one that is unique and authentic. Sometimes weight can be a way to be different than others or have defects/illnesses that are unique.
Type Fives are harsh or detached judges of body and instead are focused on mental pursuits or achievements. Due to their mental focus they tend to neglect their physical bodies and do not rely on them to get what they want. They tend to devalue the body unless it directly relates to their hobby. Fives tend to be overweight because of inactivity, screen time eating and convenience foods.
Type Sixes are suspicious and negative about their bodies. They rely on comparing themselves to others in their group. They worry that they do not “fit in” or their body will fail them in some way. Sixes draw self-worth from their affiliations, mainstream culture and family traditions. Beware that if their group has no concern about health and fitness, then the Six will also not be concerned about fitness.
Type Sevens keep their minds occupied with plans and social experiences. They avoid dwelling on problems and also judge their bodies leniently. They do not want to deprive themselves of fun, food or experience so they may gain weight. If their bodies limit their activities because of weight gain, pain or lack of appeal, then they become highly anxious about their future or feel claustrophobic in their own bodies.
Type Eights are reactive in their judgement of self and will size up and compare their strengths against others. They value their bodies as a way to get what they want through appeal or intimidation. If they gain weight it is likely a result of extravagant eating and not cooling their passions with a bit of moderation.
Type Nines are keenly aware of how they fit into their surroundings and look to blend-in and not cause any conflicts or attention. When Nines look in the mirror they simply do not see problems with their physical body (neglectful, overly humble with a pathologically positive outlook). They ignore their bodies and ignore signals that they would have to loose weight or make changes. They tend to be resigned to what life brings to them as opposed to going after what they want.
[divider scroll_text=””]For a quick summary of each Type with descriptive terms go to the Types Page.
If you need more help deciding your Type, then go to the Free Test Page.
Dr. Scott Harrington
