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What is Body Image?

  • Chloe Castetter
  • Apr 7, 2021
  • 1 min read

Updated: May 2, 2021


Body image is the perception one has of themselves mentally and physically.



  • Body image is closely linked to self-esteem. Low self-esteem in adolescents can lead to eating disorders, early sexual activity, substance use and suicidal thoughts.

  • Approximately 91% of women are unhappy with their bodies and resort to dieting to achieve their ideal body shape. Unfortunately, only 5% of women naturally possess the body type often portrayed by Americans in the media.

  • 58% of college-aged girls feel pressured to be a certain weight.

  • In a survey, more than 40% of women and about 20% of men agreed they would consider cosmetic surgery in the future. The statistics remain relatively constant across gender, age, marital status, and race.

  • Students, especially women, who consume more mainstream media, place a greater importance on sexiness and overall appearance than those who do not consume as much.





Although some women may define themselves and judge themselves as shapes (similar to the ones in the photo above)... We believe that...




What does it mean to be body positive?


Body positivity is very important to keep in mind when dealing with issues regarding body image. Body positivity refers to the assertion that all people deserve to have a positive body image, regardless of how society and popular culture view ideal shape, size, and appearance.



This idea will lead to...

  • challenging how society views the body

  • promoting the acceptance of all bodies

  • helping people build confidence and acceptance of their own bodies

  • addressing unrealistic body standards






 
 
 

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