Your Body Image
Learn what body image is and what influences it
What is body image?
Body image involves a mental picture of your physical body
(including size, shape, and appearance) and your attitude toward
your body (such as thoughts, feelings, and beliefs).
Our body image begins to form at a very early age as we receive
and process messages about what is considered desirable or not
acceptable about the body.
Body image is determined by four elements:
1. Sight: How you perceive your body.
2. Feel: How satisfied or dissatisfied you feel about your body.
3. Think: How you think and what you believe about your body.
4. Behave: How you behave as a result of your thoughts and feelings.
What is a positive body image?
A person who has a positive body image is comfortable with the
body they have. They understand their sense of self-worth does not
depend on their appearance.
It does not mean they think their body is perfect
It means they accept their body as it is and commit to loving and
caring for it. Most people would like to modify some part of their
appearance. This is normal. They may dislike the color of their hair,
the size of their nose, or a scar. We all have insecurities!
Practicing body acceptance means viewing our bodies positively,
which includes accepting both our strengths and limitations.
Embracing our imperfections or what makes us unique is what
makes us beautiful and an individual.
What is a negative body image?
A person with body dissatisfaction persistently feels unhappy with
their body and their appearance. Body image issues affect people of
all ages, genders, and cultures. Someone with a negative body
image may:
Feel uncomfortable or awkward in their body.
Compare themselves with others and feel inadequate.
Feel ashamed or embarrassed and lack confidence.
See parts of their body, such as their nose, in a distorted way.
Many research studies have shown that negative body image is
strongly linked to eating disorders, distorted views of healthy habits,
depression, low self-esteem, and obesity. We experience different
degrees of positive and negative feelings about our bodies at
different times.
Reflect: How do you view your body? How does your view influence
your actions?
What influences body image?
Many factors influence body image, including families and friends,
culture, media, and past experiences. Let’s break each of them
down.
Families and friends
Families, parents, and friends play a critical role in how you see and
feel about yourself.
Peer pressure
The influence others have on your behavior to conform to be
accepted.
Example: taking weight loss supplements or skipping lunch to lose
weight.
Constant criticism
They openly judge you and everyone else about their appearance
and choices.
Example: “You look terrible in those pants.” “Is she really eating that
for lunch?”
Negative attitude
They have a negative body image and are always criticizing
themselves out loud.
Example: “I’m so fat and will never look good in a swimsuit.”
Dieting
They are constantly going on a “diet,” labeling food as “good” or
“bad,” punishing themselves if they “cheat” on their diet, and often
encouraging others to join them.
Example: “You should join me on my new diet. You could lose a few
pounds!”
Body image comments do not have to be directed at the person to
have an impact.
Culture or media
Research has found that the images you see in the media (TV,
movies, magazines, social media) can impact your self-perception.
People tend to imitate what they see or adjust their expectations
based on what others are doing or how they look. Media can
negatively affect body image because we are consistently exposed
to thin, fit, and “idealized” body types.
However, the concept of the ideal body changes year after year, so
the physical qualities we embrace today are often at odds with
those from previous generations.
When we compare ourselves to peers and celebrities, we create
unrealistic ideals for ourselves. When we can’t meet those self-
expectations, this increases body shame, depression, and low self-
esteem.
Past experiences
Our past experiences commonly influence our body image.
For example:
Physical or sexual abuse.
Being teased, bullied, or harassed because of size, gender, skin color, or
physical abilities.
Growing up in a household where being thin and having a certain body
size was idealized.
Activities that focus a lot on body size, such as dance, gymnastics,
wrestling, and modeling.
We are influenced by those around us, closest to us, and society.
“Beautiful,” “perfect,” “ugly,” “fat,” or “wrong” are the messages
that shape what we think and how we feel about ourselves.
Reflect: What words or factors influence your body image?
Take the quiz to learn more about how you feel about your body
image so you can begin your path to body acceptance.
