
Tami Roman, a former star of the hit show 'Basketball Wives', has been open about her struggles with body dysmorphia. Roman, who first came into the public eye in the 90s on 'The Real World', revealed that she was diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder in 2008, a condition she has dealt with since she was 13. In interviews, Roman has discussed her perception of her body, her past experiences with drastic weight loss methods, and the negative comments she receives from others. Roman's story has brought attention to the challenges of living with body dysmorphia and the importance of understanding one's relationship with their body image.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Condition | Body dysmorphia/Body Dysmorphic Disorder |
| Diagnosis | 2008 |
| Cause | Trauma-based |
| Self-perception | Always feels overweight |
| Treatment | Therapy and medication |
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What You'll Learn

Tami Roman has body dysmorphia
Tami Roman, the actress and TV personality known for her appearance on the hit 90s show "The Real World" and Basketball Wives, has been very open about her struggles with body dysmorphia. In 2021, Roman revealed that she had been suffering from body dysmorphic disorder since she was 13 years old. She admitted that she had been pursuing modelling at that age, which was when her self-image was "annihilated".
Roman shared that her perception of her body is vastly different from how others see her. She explained that she always feels overweight and can always find something to pick apart about her appearance. For instance, she perceives comments about her being "too skinny" or looking like a "bobblehead" as compliments. She also shared that seeing her clavicle or bones is positive to her, but others would express concern and tell her to eat more.
Roman's struggle with body dysmorphia has led her to take extreme measures, such as having her mouth wired shut to lose weight. She has also shared that she spends excessive time looking in the mirror or avoids mirrors altogether, picks obsessively at her skin, and makes excessive efforts to conceal perceived flaws.
Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental health condition where an individual fixates on one or more perceived flaws or defects in their appearance, which may be minor or unnoticeable to others. This can lead to feelings of embarrassment, shame, and anxiety, causing individuals to avoid social situations. While the causes of body dysmorphia are not always clear, mental health professionals often attribute it to traumatic experiences, such as teasing, bullying, or abuse during childhood.
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Roman's body dysmorphia may be trauma-induced
Tami Roman, formerly of *Basketball Wives*, has been open about her struggles with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a mental health condition where one is preoccupied with perceived flaws in their physical appearance. Roman's BDD may be trauma-induced, as she has stated that it is "trauma-based".
Roman has dealt with body dysmorphia since she was 13 years old, when a modelling agency representative "annihilated [her] self-esteem", causing her to perceive herself as overweight, despite what others saw. This traumatic event may have altered her mind to perceive things differently, triggering her BDD.
Roman's perception of her body is distorted, as she explains: "I think about myself as My 600-Lb. Life. No matter how I look to people, when I look at myself, I can always pick something apart." She further elaborates on this, stating that even when there is nothing wrong, she will find flaws, such as a fold on her wrist, which indicates a preoccupation with perceived imperfections.
Roman's BDD has led her to take drastic measures to alter her body, such as abusing laxatives, not eating, and throwing up, in an attempt to achieve what she perceived as the ideal body type. She has also undergone plastic surgery, stating that she had her "mouth wired shut" and enhanced her buttocks, as she felt they had lost shape due to her extreme weight loss.
The reality star's BDD diagnosis came later in life, in 2008, and she has described living with the condition as a "challenge". She often interprets negative comments about her appearance as compliments, which reinforces her disordered thinking. Treatment for severe cases of BDD can include therapy and medication, and experts emphasize the importance of not getting caught up in the belief that there is a preferred body type.
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Roman's body dysmorphia may be genetic
It has been speculated that reality star Tammy Roman's erratic behavior on the show 'Basketball Wives' could be linked to an underlying mental health issue, particularly body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Body dysmorphia causes an individual to have a distorted view of their physical appearance, often leading to a deep sense of shame and extreme measures to hide or fix perceived flaws. In Roman's case, her struggles with BDD may indeed have a genetic predisposition, as the disorder is believed to be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.
Research has shown that BDD can run in families, suggesting a genetic link. This means that individuals with a family history of BDD or other mental health disorders are at an increased risk of developing the condition themselves. It is possible that Roman has a family history of mental health issues, which could have contributed to her developing BDD. Genetic predispositions can increase the likelihood of developing certain mental health disorders, and in Roman's case, this could be a contributing factor to her body dysmorphia.
Environmental triggers also play a significant role in the development of BDD. Stressful life events, trauma, or a history of negative comments about one's appearance can all contribute to the onset of the disorder. In Roman's case, it is possible that her time in the public eye, where she may have been subjected to intense scrutiny and criticism about her looks, could have triggered or exacerbated her BDD symptoms. The constant pressure to maintain a certain image and the focus on physical appearance that comes with being a reality star could have further fueled her body dysmorphia.
Additionally, it is important to consider the impact of societal pressures and the influence of social media. The prevalence of unrealistic beauty standards and the emphasis on physical appearance, particularly in the world of reality TV and social media, can contribute to body image issues and exacerbate existing BDD symptoms. Roman, being in the public eye, would be particularly vulnerable to these influences, which could further distort her perception of herself and trigger or worsen her body dysmorphia.
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Roman's body dysmorphia led her to abuse laxatives and throw up
Roman's struggle with body dysmorphic disorder has been well-documented, and it appears that her preoccupation with her physical appearance has led to extreme measures and harmful behaviors. Roman, who has always been very open about her weight loss journey and fitness transformation, took her obsession with her body to an unhealthy level. She developed body dysmorphia, a mental disorder characterized by an excessive preoccupation with perceived defects in one's physical features. In Roman's case, it appears that her perception of her body was severely distorted, leading her to see herself as larger than she actually was.
This body dysmorphia led Roman to engage in dangerous weight-loss practices, including the abuse of laxatives and self-induced vomiting. She believed that these extreme measures were necessary to maintain her desired physique and public image. The abuse of laxatives can be a secretive behavior, often done in conjunction with binging, as it can create a false sense of control over one's weight and body. This behavior can have severe health consequences, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and even organ damage over time. Self-induced vomiting is another dangerous practice that can lead to dental issues, esophageal damage, and severe electrolyte imbalances, which can be life-threatening.
Roman's distorted perception of her body and extreme weight-loss measures are indicative of a deeper mental health issue. Body dysmorphic disorder is often associated with low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. It is possible that Roman's preoccupation with her physical appearance was a way to cope with underlying emotional struggles or trauma. The disorder is also characterized by repetitive behaviors, such as checking one's appearance excessively or seeking constant reassurance about one's looks, which can interfere with daily functioning.
It is important to recognize that body dysmorphic disorder is a serious mental health issue that requires professional treatment. Therapy can help individuals challenge their negative self-perceptions and develop healthier coping mechanisms. With the right support and treatment plan, individuals like Roman can learn to manage their symptoms and develop a more positive and realistic view of their bodies. Seeking help is a sign of strength and can lead to significant improvements in one's quality of life.
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Roman's body dysmorphia was undiagnosed for years
Roman's body dysmorphic disorder remained undetected for a long time, causing him significant distress and affecting his daily life. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition where a person obsesses over perceived flaws in their appearance, flaws that are often unnoticeable to others. Roman's case of BDD was likely triggered by underlying factors that are common with the disorder, such as low self-esteem, perfectionism, and a history of trauma or abuse. It is important to note that BDD is not just about having concerns about one's appearance; it is characterized by the extreme distress and impairment it causes in a person's life.
Roman's BDD likely manifested in several ways. He may have had a distorted perception of his body, seeing himself as larger or smaller than he actually was. This misperception could have led to extreme dieting, excessive exercise, or even plastic surgery to fix the perceived flaws. People with BDD often engage in repetitive behaviors to try and alleviate their anxiety, such as constantly checking mirrors, seeking reassurance, or picking at their skin. Roman may have also avoided social situations, believing that others were constantly judging his appearance.
The undiagnosed BDD likely impacted Roman's life severely. The condition is associated with a high level of impairment and a reduced quality of life. Roman may have struggled with relationships, work, or school due to his preoccupation with his appearance. People with BDD often experience depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. They may also develop other disorders such as eating disorders or substance abuse as a result of their body image concerns.
The exact causes of BDD are unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. Brain chemistry may play a role, as some research suggests that people with BDD may have abnormalities in the brain's serotonin system, which is involved in mood regulation. It is important for Roman to seek professional help, as BDD is a treatable condition. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication are often used to treat BDD, helping individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. With proper treatment, Roman can learn to manage his BDD symptoms and develop a healthier relationship with his body image.
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Frequently asked questions
Tami Roman, formerly of Basketball Wives, has been open about her struggles with body dysmorphia. She has had the condition since she was 13 years old, and it has caused her to take drastic steps to retain a small frame, including abusing laxatives, not eating, and throwing up.
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition in which a person can't stop thinking about one or more perceived defects or flaws in their physical appearance. These flaws are often minor or invisible to others. People with BDD may feel embarrassed, ashamed, and anxious, causing them to avoid social situations.
Roman first realized she had body dysmorphia when she was diagnosed in 2008. However, she had been struggling with the condition for most of her life, even during her time on the 90s show "The Real World". Roman's body dysmorphia may be trauma-based, as she recalls a modelling agency representative annihilating her self-esteem when she was 13 years old.











































