Health:

Body Image - Health

Your body image is how and what you think and feel about your body. It also includes the picture of your body that you have in your own mind, which might or might not match your body’s actual shape and size.

A positive or healthy body image is feeling happy and satisfied about your body, as well as being comfortable with and accepting the way you look.

A negative or unhealthy body image is being unhappy with the way you look. It’s often associated with wanting to change your body size or shape.

When you feel good about your body, you’re more likely to have good self-esteem and mental health as well as a balanced attitude to eating and physical activity.

What's the problem?

Some people struggle with their self-esteem and body image when they begin puberty because it's a time when the body goes through many changes. These changes, combined with wanting to feel accepted by our friends, means it can be tempting to compare ourselves with others. The trouble with that is, not everyone grows or develops at the same time or in the same way.

We might start to compare ourselves with other people or media images

Negative Body Image

People experience negative comments and hurtful teasing about the way they look from peers surrounding them. Although these often come from ignorance, sometimes they can affect body image and self-esteem. Negative body image may lead you to different dangers to your body.

Things such as:

• Eating Disorders – Misusing food to obtain the "perfect" body.
• Suicide & Self-Mutilation – What can happen when we stop valuing ourselves.
• Body Art – What is body art and what health choices are involved in deciding whether to adorn your body

Postitive Body Image

Positive body image is the thought and confidence of being satisfied with your body. But maintaining a positive body image requires healthy daily diets. Also to think postively of yourself, because once you really dig deep and stare at the mirror a little longer you'll start to recognize the beauty inside rather then the imperfections that you see.