Body Image

What is a Body Image?

Body image is...

  • How you see yourself when you look in the mirror or when you picture yourself in your mind.
  • What you believe about your own appearance (including your memories, assumptions, and generalizations). 
  • How you feel about your body, including your height, shape, and weight.
  • How you sense and control your body as you move. How you feel in your body, not just about your body.

People with negative body image have a greater likelihood of developing an eating disorder and are more likely to suffer from feelings of depression, isolation, low self-esteem, and obsessions with weight loss.

Accept yourself -- Accept your body. Celebrate yourself -- Celebrate your body

Positive body image is...

  • A clear, true perception of your shape--you see the various parts of your body as they really are.
  • You celebrate and appreciate your natural body shape and you understand that a person's physical appearance says very little about their character and value as a person.
  • You feel proud and accepting of your unique body and refuse to spend an unreasonable amount of time worrying about food, weight, and calories.
  • You feel comfortable and confident in your body.

Negative body image is...

  • A distorted perception of your shape; you perceive parts of your body unlike they really are.
  • You are convinced only other people are attractive and your body size or shape is a sign of personal failure.
  • You feel ashamed, self-conscious and anxious about your body.
  • You feel uncomfortable and awkward in your body.