Let's talk about Body image

Body image refers to a person’s perceptions and attitudes about their own body, particularly but not exclusively its appearance. It doesn’t mean that you are vain if you have a positive body image. Having a positive body image has nothing to with the shape and size of your body it is more about your attitude to yourself as a person and the ability to recognise your good points. Having a positive body image is on a continuum we may like most things about ourselves but there may be some elements we are not so happy with or the other way around.  Body image is also not fixed and can change as we do, as we grow and develop, we may feel more positive or we may feel more uncertain about aspects of ourselves.  

People particularly most young people have always worried about their bodies it’s part of the process of growing up and finding out who we are as a person. With puberty starting earlier many children are becoming aware of how their body looks and how it is changing, consequently they may develop unhealthy habits around perceptions of their body and sense of self from a very young age.

• 40–50% of 6–12 year olds are dissatisfied with their appearance  

• Over half of girls and a quarter of boys think their peers have a body image problem 

 • 47% of 11–14 year olds are opting out of everyday activities because they don’t like the way they look. 

Peer pressure:  Many people feel pressure from friends to look a certain way and others can be excluded from groups because of their physical appearance. This can be extremely damaging for a person’s self-esteem and sense of self-worth.  

All genders can experience poor body image. Historically media portrayals of women have focused on very thin women but take a look at any sales site for male clothing and you will see very thin young males creating unrealistic images of body expectations. These unrealistic images can lead to eating disorders for all genders.  

Poor body image can also contribute to underachievement at schools, colleges and in the workplace. It can stop people from getting involved in activities in and outside school, college or work-limiting their life chances.    

Those around us can influence how we perceive ourselves and help us to understand the realities of body images presented in society, particularly through social media.

Body image and social media  

Comparing ourselves to others physical appearance can lead to lower self esteem, increase likelihood of poorer mental health and body image concerns.

Social media provides lots of unrealistic beauty expectations leading to body dissatisfaction. Those ‘beautiful’ people have often had the photo image retouched, using bright lighting, colour correction, skin retouching and photoshopping to make body parts appear thinner.  They are also surrounded by makeup artists, hairstylists, fashion experts, they have access to dietitians and personal trainers they have help with all aspects of their life whereas much of this is not available to you or I.  

“Selfie Harm” can leave people feeling anxious, less confident, and less physically attractive even when people are able to retouch or retake their selfies. Selfies very much focus on physical appearance rather than the qualities of the person. Any image on social media can be retouched several times - Kim Kardashian apparently takes up to 400 selfies before posting the one she likes.  

People are often looking for the perfect person but what is that? We need to change our way of thinking about what that perfect person is and is not. Should we value the person for what they look like?  

Top Tips to gain positive body image:  

• Be kind to yourself don’t compare yourself to others 

• Take a break from social media

• Appreciate your own and other people’s qualities - kindness, compassion, caring, friendship  

• Only follow accounts that promote body positivity such as @meganjaynecrabbe 

• Create positive internal self-talk focus on things you like about yourself

• Spend time with people who value you for who you are

• Be a positive role model don’t make comments about your own and others body size

• Focus on peoples’ qualities rather than their looks increasing your own and others self-esteem  

• Don’t get involved in Body shaming. Don’t engage with laughing at other people whose body does not fit your ideal whether that is family, friends, or when you see people in the street or on social media

• If you are worried or concerned talk to someone you trust for help and support. You could contact your GP or a Therapist or find online support

• Accept that very few people have a perfect body and even these people might not like every part of themselves

• Check out Body Happy who have some amazing resources and books