Last updated on April 14, 2022
Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt like you need to shed those extra pounds or somehow grow taller? Problems related to body image are becoming common.
Most young women and men are dissatisfied with their appearance, and many take extreme measures to change their bodies. There has been much exposure to unrealistic expectations of body images, which show being thin and masculine as a symbol of beauty. One cannot deny that media, magazines, social media influencers, celebrities have changed how we perceive ourselves.
A survey conducted by Mental Health Foundation revealed that “Among young people aged 13 -19, 35% said their body image causes them to ‘often’ or ‘always’ worry”¹. There is a perception that issues with body image are usually more prominent in young girls, but it also affects boys. Another study by Mental Health Foundation shows that “46% of girls said their body image caused them to worry, compared to 25% of boys”.
What is Body Image?
In simple terms, body image is a combination of how you see yourself and how you think others should see you. It can include both positive and negative thoughts.
When a person accepts their body for the way it is, they are likely to be physically and mentally fit. On the other hand, having negative thoughts about body image can be detrimental to overall wellbeing. There is a relation between how an individual feels about their body and how they treat it. When a person fails to look after their body, it can negatively affect them in many ways.
Signs of Having a Negative Body Image
- Checking your body for imperfections frequently
- Making a comparison with others
- Commenting negatively on the way you look
- Feeling anxious or embarrassed about your appearance
- Viewing your body’s shape in a distorted way
- Wanting to cover up certain parts of the body
- Mood changes
Effects of Negative Body Image on Mental Health
When it comes to body image, often, people tend to disregard the fact that they are struggling with a problem. The effects of negative body image can be highly harmful to both physical and mental health. When an individual’s body and idealistic body image do not match, they struggle with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, anorexia, anxiety, and bulimia. They tend to indulge in practices like taking laxatives, over-exercising, self-starvation, self-induced vomiting, and social isolation.
How to Overcome the Impact of a Negative Body Image
To lead a healthy life, you must feel confident and comfortable within your skin. There are ways to take care of yourself and cultivate a habit of perceiving things on a positive note.
- Beauty is in mind – One should not disregard the fact that the essence of true beauty lies in the state of mind. Once you embark on a path to self-love, you will realize that beauty is not just about how you dress or look, but it is how you feel.
- Fitness is vital – When it comes to physical workouts, stop worrying about how to instantly lose weight, instead focus on improving your overall health. It’s good to have goals related to fitness, but the determination behind these goals is what makes a lot of difference.
- Spread positivity– One of the best ways to feel good about yourself is kind to yourself and others. It would help if you learned to embrace all your strengthens and weaknesses.
- Limit exposure to unrealistic body standards – Build your self-esteem and confidence. Avoid spending time reading magazines and viewing advertisements that promote unrealistic body expectations.
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Bravo Akhila