You've probably been exposed to millions of media images and advertisements depicting the supposedly perfect woman from the time you were a young girl. In fact, teen girls receive most of their information about women's issues from the media. Women's magazines contain more than 10 times as many advertisements and articles related to weight loss than men's publications, according to the National Eating Disorders Association. The media and the environment you grow up in play pivotal roles in how you view yourself. If you're struggling with body image, there are things you can do to improve your self-esteem.
Identification
Your body image involves how you perceive your appearance, size and shape. While women with a positive body image recognize the characteristics that make them unique and beautiful in their own ways, negative body image reflects a distorted perception of the way you look. You may feel ashamed of your appearance and experience considerable anxiety when looking in mirrors, shopping for clothes or interacting with others.
Causes of Poor Body Image
Both the media and people in your life can play a role in developing a poor body image. Family members, friends and partners who make comments about your weight or some other aspect of your physical appearance can make you feel embarrassed or ashamed of your body. Media images promote the belief that beauty requires being thin. In fact, the beauty and weight loss industries depend on this image of the ideal woman to continue selling products to those trying to reach unattainable goals, according to the U.S. Office on Women's Health.
Potential Effects
Having a negative body image can have serious psychological and physical consequences. You can develop low self-esteem, anxiety and depression. You may also begin unhealthy diets or restrict your eating in an effort to reach a certain weight. A 2006 study published in the journal "Academic Psychiatry" found that the media's influence on body image is correlated to the development of eating disorders. While other factors may be involved, you are also at risk for developing body dysmorphic disorder, which involves obsession with body image and appearance.
Self-Help Methods
While it may take time, strive to shift your focus on being healthy rather than on achieving a certain look or size. Exercising regularly and eating a variety of whole foods is not only good for your body internally but also can improve your skin and hair. In addition, physical activity can improve your self-esteem and body image, according to the Office on Women's Health. View your body as a whole rather than focusing on individual parts that you may not like. Develop your own style that reflects who you are as an individual rather than trying to copy what you see in a magazine advertisement.
Warning
Contact your doctor or other health care professional if your negative feelings about your body affect you daily life or lead to more serious complications such as unhealthy eating habits and depression. Signs of depression include prolonged sadness, isolation, loss of interest in activities, lack of energy, changes in sleep habits, feelings of worthlessness and thoughts of suicide.
References
- National Eating Disorders Association: The Media, Body Image and Eating Disorders
- US Department of Health and Human Services: US Office on Women's Health: Body Image: Loving Yourself Inside and Out
- Academic Psychiatry: Body Image, Media and Eating Disorders
- MayoClinic.com: Body Dysmorphic Disorder
- Boston Women's Health Book Collective: Our Bodies Outselves Health Resource Center: Building a Better Body Image
- MayoClinic.com: Depression
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