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Build a Better Body Image

The female body is under constant scrutiny by the media, the diet and fitness industry, advertisers, fashion managers, family, peers, and the self. Everyday, women are sent the message that their bodies are, in some way, lacking. With so many sources telling females that they are inadequate, how can they become comfortable with themselves? We suggest that the solution lies in starting to view the body as valuable. The human body is something that should be appreciated and cared for. Each body is unique and a vital part of the human condition. Without their bodies, people would not be able to participate in many of the activities they enjoy doing. An unhealthy body inhibits one having complete satisfaction in life. A healthy body opens many doors to wonderful experiences. Hence we should value the healthy body and seek to treat it in a healthy manner.

The media tells women that cellulite is condemnable and that only a fat-free body is acceptable. In reality, "even thin, active women have cellulite." The images presented in magazines, advertisements, and other forms of media have been digitally enhanced, airbrushed, and altered in order to give the illusion of perfection. The purpose of these images (especially when it comes to advertisement) is to make women feel deficient, so they will want to buy some product. The images tell women, "unless you have this or that, you are not good enough." In this way, women have "been programmed by the media to think that beauty equals thinness."

The diet industry reinforces the message of inadequacy by falsely equating a thin figure with overall health and fitness level. The primary focus and interest of the diet industry is profit. It is not concerned with individual well-being: It disregards the fact that genetics influences body type; it even promotes products that are ineffective in the long-term—sometimes having deleterious effects.

Here are some of the cold, hard facts:

So how can these negative messages be countered? How can women develop a positive sense of self, despite the criticism coming from society?—by practicing the three A's and adopting positive, self-loving behaviors:

Attention:Listening for and responding to internal cues, such as hunger, satiety, and fatigue. Basically, get back in touch with your body and its signals. Your body is excellent at regulating and letting you know what it needs in order to perform optimally.

Appreciation:Appreciate everything your body allows you to do and the pleasure it provides. It is because of your body that you can engage in the activities you love and enjoy what life has to offer. Realize and remember that! Write a list of all of the things you love about your body, not only its physical characteristics, but its abilities as well. Think of all the activities you love to do. Each time you look in the mirror, think about at least one of the things on that list. Smile to yourself as you remember all your positive assets.

Acceptance:Accept what you have rather than long for what you do not. Much of your body composition is predetermined by your genetics. While most people ascribe to the idea that there is a magic weight that indicates health, "healthy body weight is the size a person naturally returns to after a long period of both non-compulsive eating and consistent exercise commensurate with the person's physical health and condition." Blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiovascular endurance are much better indicators of physical fitness than weight, and body composition can more accurately let you know if your body is healthy.

Your body is great!—regardless of what size you are. The female body is beautiful in all of its shapes and forms. Honor it and you will live a long and happy life.

Here are ten behaviors that positively influence body image:

Added 11/25/2007
Created November 25, 2007, last updated November 30, 2007