As we mature, social and cultural norms start to become more important in our lives. Ideas about the “ideal body” are constantly pushed on us through social media, television, movies, magazines, and advertisements. It’s hard not to compare yourself to these ideals when you’re constantly bombarded by them. Photoshop and editing is a branding strategy to make photos look “perfect” or “ideal”, but is even more dangerous because it creates impossible standards. We find ourselves taking dangerous measures to meet these impractical weight and beauty guidelines.
Understanding the concept of body positivity and setting yourself realistic standards will help stop you being too hard on yourself throughout your weight loss journey and beyond. Feeling good within your own skin and developing a positive self-image will help overcome negative thoughts about your body and confirm that you are worthy and wonderful the way you are.
This will help you build your own norms towards your body and not be subject to harmful media suggestions. When you understand the importance of a healthy body, you will be less likely to develop mental and physical health conditions. Building your self-esteem can prevent negative body behaviors, and these habits will be long-lasting.
Remember, there is not one “ideal” body, and feeling comfortable in your own body rather than comparing yourself to the ‘ideal’ image portrayed in the media will help remind you that different body types are beautiful.
References
Akos, P., & Levitt, D. H. (2002). Promoting Healthy Body Image in Middle School. Professional School Counseling, 6(2), 138–144. http://www.jstor.org/stable/ 42732403
Choate, L. H. (2007). Counseling Adolescent Girls for Body Image Resilience: Strategies for School Counselors. Professional School Counseling, 10(3), 317–326. http://www.jstor.org/stable/ 42732525
girls struggle with body image. (1998). Off Our Backs, 28(10), 6–6. http://www.jstor.org/stable/ 20836236
Zhang, K. C. (2013). What I Look Like: College Women, Body Image, and Spirituality. Journal of Religion and Health, 52(4), 1240–1252. http://www.jstor.org/stable/ 24485132
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