Body image in the media

There is no such thing as the perfect body.

We see unrealistic body images in the media every day -- watching TV, reading magazines, and going to the cinema to name a few. Seeing all those images of supposedly 'ideal' male and female bodies can make us worry that our own body is not perfect.

• Remember: healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes, big and small, and these are all beautiful. It’s okay to be the shape you are! No matter what shape or size you are, the main thing is to be fit, healthy and happy with your body!
• Don’t let other people make you feel bad about your body shape. Again, it’s your body -- and you don’t have to change it for friends, family or anyone else.
• If others make comments about the way you look, try to ignore them. Worrying about what others think can stop you from feeling confident and happy with yourself and your body.
• Healthy eating and regular exercise will help you feel good about yourself.
• Avoid diets that promise quick weight loss or weight gain as they don’t work in the long-term.
• If you think you need to lose weight or gain weight talk to your doctor about a healthy eating plan that can be combined with exercise.

Unrealistic body image in the media

Celebrities, models and in-your-face advertising are not there to make us feel good about ourselves. They present us with alternative versions of reality that encourage us to feel the need to purchase products -- their products -- that promise happiness and sex appeal.

We are constantly shown images of both male and female models, singers and actors in the media, with bodies that we are taught are perfect. This can give us an unhealthy body image and the fear that beauty is an un-attainable state of perfection that we feel we could never achieve.

To put it into perspective check out this information about body images you see in the media:

• Fashion designers use models that are several sizes smaller than the average woman.
• Many women we see in the media only wear a certain dress size. However, in reality, women's bodies come in all shapes and sizes and are much more diverse than we see in the media.
• Photos in magazines are usually air-brushed to perfection. Any extra curves, spots, wrinkles, fuzzy hair (anything that’s normal really) are gotten rid of by a computer.
• If you’re a size 16 or over, it can be harder to find fashionable clothes that fit well. Some fashion designers may not cater to these sizes.
• For men, the ‘perfect’ muscled body is still held up as a model for readers to follow. Some experts believe that the media’s message about male body image is causing a rise in the number of eating disorders in men. See here for more information.
• The beauty industry is now also targeting men with the pressure to stay forever young and buy the latest anti-wrinkle creams. Read more about the media’s pressure on men here.

If you're struggling with your body image

If you're having a hard time with your body image, there is plenty of help out there. Many people have problems with their body image and it's nothing to be ashamed of. Check out SpunOut's articles on body image and male body image issues. 

If you feel you or someone you know may have an eating disorder, contact Body Whys on 1890 200 444 or info@bodywhys.ie.