Body Image

BODY IMAGEThe way you see your body through self observation and the reactions of others.

Positive body image: have a real perception of shape and size, feels comfortable in your own body.Negative body image: have a distorted perception of shape and size, compares their body to others, and feels shame and anxiety about their body.

When we are unhappy with our bodies, affects how we think and feel about ourselves. A poor body image can lead to emotional distress, low self-esteem, unhealthy dieting habits, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.Developing a positive body image and a healthy mental attitude is crucial to happiness and overall wellness.

Difference between Self Esteem and Body

ImageSelf-esteem is all about how much people value themselves, the pride they feel in themselves, and how worthwhile they feel.

Body image is how someone feels about his or her own physical appearance.

Who tells us what Normality is?

Media

Friends and Family

Peers

Culture

MediaCritics have accused marketers of creating:Critics have accused marketers of creating:

Anxiety

Promoting envy

Fostering feelings of inadequacy and insecurity

Marketers respond that advertising does Marketers respond that advertising does nothing more than:nothing more than:

Mirror society’s values

Alert to new products

Motivates to switch brands

At worst bore or annoy

Ads paint images of what men and women can be. Unfortunately, that image is often quite unrealistic.

Does the Media want you to feel good about yourself?

When we are unhappy with our bodies, affects how we think and feel about ourselves.

A poor body image can lead to emotional distress, low self-esteem, unhealthy dieting habits, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.Developing a positive body image and a healthy mental attitude is crucial to happiness and overall wellness.

Where does it start?

Movies

Cartoons

Toys

Older siblings

Commercials

Billboards

Magazines

Infomercials

Advertisements

Television shows

For the guys…The media emphasizes men's looks and creates a sense of pressure. Many times that "as advertised" body is just not attainable. The men you see in those pictures may not even be real. Magazines and ad agencies often alter photographs of models, either by airbrushing the facial and muscular features, or by putting a good-looking face on someone else's buff body.

How to Develop a positive Body Image

Accept yourself as you are!

Many teens grow in spurts

If you need to lose OR gain weight to be healthy- SET REASONABLE GOALS

Everyone is different-Age, gender, height, inherited body type, growth pattern.

What can we do to obtain a healthier body image?

Don’t Compare! When we compare ourselves to others we will lose. We notice their perfections and our imperfections. Try to focus on the positive instead of what you think of as negative.

Avoid Put Downs If I were ten pounds

thinner I would be happy. I'm fat. I'm too skinny. I'd be happy if I were taller, shorter, had curly hair, straight hair, a smaller nose, bigger muscles, longer legs.Sound familiar?

As a teen, your body is going through changes. As your body changes so does your image of yourself.

Accept Yourself! Love Yourself!

Recognize that your body is your own, no matter what shape, size, or color it comes in. You have to be happy with yourself.

Learn to take a compliment! Let it soak in and make you feel good!Self Talk- listen to what you say to yourself. Is it positive? We are our own worst critic.

Give compliments! Look for the good and be less critical. Get Support.