WHAT IS A HEALTHY BODY IMAGE AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Whether you’re shopping at the mall, or online, it doesn’t take long before we’re surrounded by a barrage of negativity regarding the way we think about our bodies. For many of us, it seems there’s nowhere to hide from the shame imposed on us through images and lifestyles that bring our weight, or shape, and the clothes we wear into question.
Nicole Hawkins, Ph.D, cited a study in which 63% of women identified their weight as the key factor in determining how they felt about themselves—more important than family, school, or career. Other research she cited suggested that 86% of females were dissatisfied with their bodies and wanted to lose weight, a likely contributing factor in the steady annual increase of cosmetic surgeries in the US.
“It is estimated that girls are exposed to 400-600 media images of females daily, sometimes trapping them in a cycle of body hatred,” Hawkins wrote in 2009. The increasing number of body image disturbances (body dysmorphic disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and depression) could be related to the fact that 96% of females don’t match up to models in the media: 5 ‘ 11”, 117 pounds. The typical US female is 5’ 3” and weighs 166 pounds.
This discrepancy between the media “ideal” and reality begs the question of how to achieve a healthy body image, one in which a girl or woman feels comfortable in her body and good about the way she looks, resulting in self-worth. The US Department of Health and Human Services states that how one pictures herself in her mind, her thoughts about her height and weight, how she feels in her own skin, and how she behaves (as a result of these thoughts and feelings) are important. Females with positive body images are more likely to have good physical and mental health. Conversely, children of parents who diet or have negative body images are more likely to develop unhealthy thoughts about their bodies.
Girls in the US are more likely to have a negative body image than boys, probably because of the pressure to measure up to unrealistic social and cultural beauty ideals. From preschool onward they hear and see constant messages about their looks and are more likely to receive praise for their appearance than for their ideas or actions. They aren’t aware that many media photos have been computer edited. If you’re like me, you remember hearing nicknames like “fluffy butt,” “thunder thighs,” and “lard ass” at home or school. Being teased or bullied about appearance, being told that you’re ugly, fat, or too thin can result in a negative body image. Weight isn’t the only factor, however, in the development of body image. Self-esteem, personal history, grooming habits, and body shape may also contribute to a negative body image.
The body image of an overweight adult may improve if she loses weight. Healthy eating and increased physical activity should be the focus of any weight loss program. If underweight, the assistance of a health professional should be sought. The more positive messages one gives herself (pertaining to talents, personal attributes, meaningful relationships), and the less negative ones about her body, the better she will feel about who she is and how she looks.
The following suggestions for how parents can help their children have a healthy body image were gleaned from the US Department of Health and Human Services, the Mayo Clinic, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:
Refrain from making negative comments about food, weight, body size and shape—your own, your children’s, and anyone else’s. Do not permit hurtful nicknames!
Allow children to make choices about food while making sure that plenty of healthy meals and snacks are available. Do not label foods as “good” or “bad.”
Compliment kids more on their efforts, talents, accomplishments, and personal values than on their appearance.
Limit screen time. Children who watch lots of TV or movies and play video games often see unrealistic bodies. Encourage them to question what they see and hear.
Take time to have conversations with your kids; show them that you will always be there to listen with empathy to their concerns.
Make sure that adolescents understand that weight gain is a normal part of puberty.
Monitor internet use. Discuss other’s judgments and comments. Set rules for what your children are allowed to view and post.
At a well child doctor visit, ask the physician to set realistic goals for body mass index and weight based on your child’s history and overall health.
Expose your daughter to females who are famous for their achievements and personal attributes rather than their appearance. Make books, documentaries, and movies available for their perusal.
Encourage sports and activities that don’t emphasize weight or a certain body type.
Encourage positive friendships with a diverse group of kind, accepting, supportive peers. Advocate for in-person interactions rather than primarily social media contacts.
Model daily exercise and try to schedule 30 minutes of moderate exercise into your child’s day (walking, bike riding, jogging, or dancing).
It seems that the most contented individuals have balance in their lives—relationships, work, exercise, leisure, healthy diet, spirituality, study/lifelong learning, and rest. If we strive for balance, perhaps we can avoid over-emphasizing just one aspect of our existence: appearance.
