Chicago Tribune

Sex abuse victims struggle to lose pounds put on as protective measure

I recently wrote a Facebook post asking about sexual abuse and the link to obesity. I thought I might get a few messages, but was surprised when more than 150 people - including a few men - shared their stories.

"I was sexually abused by a babysitter at age 5, and by my cousin from ages 8 to 13," said Sarah Fitzsimons, 38, from Colorado. "I always felt like my parents didn't do anything to protect me."

Fitzsimons says the focus in her family was the way she looked. She recalls being referred to as "the

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Chicago Tribune

Chicago Tribune6 min read
A Blood Test To Help Detect Lung Cancer? New Test Offered At OSF Healthcare Part Of Trend In Medicine
CHICAGO — Julie Harris had never been tested for lung cancer. A low-dose CT scan, the only recommended screening for adults at risk of developing lung cancer, was not something she’d ever found time to do. But when her primary care doctor recently su
Chicago Tribune5 min read
How Rare Lefty Splitter Has Helped Fuel Shota Imanaga’s Historic Start For Cubs
CHICAGO — Five years ago in Japan, Shota Imanaga searched for a new pitch. He wanted to incorporate something that would use the same arm path as his four-seam fastball. Imanaga didn’t like his tendency to pull his arm down when throwing change-ups,
Chicago Tribune6 min read
Chicago’s Bug Girl: Janelle Iaccino Wants To Enlighten The City On The Greatness Of The Creepy, Crawly Things
When you think of the acronym STEM, you likely know it stands for science, technology, engineering and math. But does it make you think about bugs, rodentia and taxidermy? Janelle Iaccino thinks it should. Iaccino is marketing director of Rose Pest S

Related Books & Audiobooks