Body Image is the way we think, feel add believe about our bodies. It is how you feel about all aspects of your body from your head down to your toes.
We do not develop our Body Image all on our own. The people around us and the culture we live in all play a large role. Friends and family around us shape the way we see ourselves as well as life experiences we have gone through.
The largest factor to molding our body image is the media. Through magazines, television and even music, they all give us unrealistic ideas of what beauty is. We get caught up in media and forget that photo shop and technology is used to change faces and bodies.
Body Image does not just affect women, it also affects men. Men can suffer the exact same from body image that women do, however the stigma around men experiencing these issues are larger. The symptoms and factors are all the same.
Dr. Philip Masson a psychologist in London explains men suffering from this issue
The affects of negative body image are more severe than we think. Having a long lasting negative body image can affect our mental and physical health. It can cause problems such as anxiety, depression and most common, lead to an eating disorder.
To change your outlook on body image surround yourself with positive people who make you feel confident. Talk about your feelings and do not be afraid to ask for help.
