Body Facts
The next time you look in the mirror, think. What do you see staring back at you? How would you describe yourself? How do you perceive your body? This perception is your body image, or what you think you see in the mirror.
Unfortunately a person's body image is often very different from their actual body. It is this distortion, which leads to negative body image. Rather than fight this phantom image, try to have a realistic body image based on what your body can do, and how you feel, rather than how you think your body looks.
The Basis for Your Body Image
Many young people base their body image on what they see in the media. Yet what is wandering onto TV and cinema screens and popping up in magazines isn’t an accurate reflection of what our favourite celebs really look like. Many of them have committed to starvation diets and extreme exercise regimes that could damage their health to slim down for a special event or have had their images distorted or ‘touched up’ by air brushing. In fact GQ’s editor, Dylan Jones, admitted “Almost no picture that appears in GQ has not been digitally altered in some way” when Kate Winslet complained about having her image altered on their front cover in 2003.
So if you can’t trust what you see in the media what should you base your body image on?
How you feel. When your body feels healthy and strong, then your body image should be as well.
Medically accepted standards, such as body mass index, a ratio of your weight to your height, to see if it is in the normal weight range.
Respect for yourself. Don't compare yourself to supermodels or celebrities, or even to your friends who have naturally different body shapes. Respect your shape and enjoy yourself.
Changing a Negative Body Image
It's likely that if you sneak a quick peek in the mirror, you'll have at least one criticism of your body. We live in a society fixated on weight, beauty and fashion, and even the most confident of us will feel down at some time or another. If you find yourself fearful of your reflection, take action to change this before you end up miserable.
Participate in a favourite activity or try something new. When you use your body, you're more likely to respect it.
Walk to the shops. Remind yourself that you rely on your body and should treat it accordingly.
Organise a balanced, healthy diet. Your body can only feel as good as what you put into it, so make sure your fuel is fresh and healthy.
Quit smoking and drinking. Unhealthy chemicals will only make you feel slow and bloated.
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Plan, and execute, a new exercise regime. If you feel unhappy in your own skin, take measures to change the situation. Try one of the suggestions in the Fitness Fun » section.
Talk to someone. If you live a healthful life and your body fat and body mass index are both in the normal ranges, then your negative perception is likely only in your mind. Talk it out with a friend or trusted adult and explore why you feel the way you do.
Body image is a tricky subject. Most of us know in the back of our minds that we need our bodies to be fit and healthy, but if we're honest we'll also admit that we want them to look well and be the perfect peg for clothes while we're at it. Rather than letting these unrealistic goals fester, focus on living healthfully and enjoying the results! Check out the rest of this site for top tips on how to give yourself a fit chance today.
Adapted from teenissues.co.uk, a site full of useful tips for teens who want to find out more about the issues affecting them.
If you have specific concerns or questions about anything relating to your health visit www.teenlifecheck.co.uk to be sign posted to services locally that can help.
