This week, Maryland Dietitian Kay Loughrey addresses body image as a significant factor that often weighs heavily on our mental health and well-being. Our perception of our bodies can have a profound impact on our self-esteem, confidence, and overall mental health. In this blog post, we will discuss how body image affects mental health and explore the transformative potential of practicing body positivity.
There’s no denying that with every passing year, society’s standards for beauty and body type become more and more unrealistic and unattainable. However, currently, beauty can be falsely attained with the use of photoshop and plastic surgery. The impact of these standards on our self-image can be very damaging and it doesn’t help that they are so hard to escape because we access the internet everywhere we go. Pressure from media and advertising can hurt our self-image and in turn, mental well-being, causing feelings of shame and low self-esteem. Studies show that these body image standards can increase the risk of developing mental disorders like anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphia.
The resulting emotional and psychological impact of body dissatisfaction is not only harmful to our mental health but also to our physical well-being. For example, extreme and chronic dieting as a result of frustration and unhappiness with your body weight can leave you feeling exhausted both physically and mentally. These unhealthy eating patterns could potentially develop into nutrient deficiencies and eating disorders, which in turn sabotage your mental health as well.
Learning how to have a positive body image and practicing body positivity can be difficult, but incredibly rewarding in the long run. Body satisfaction is linked to better physical and mental well-being, self-confidence, and fewer unhealthy dieting behaviors. Research shows that positive body satisfaction is associated with psychological well-being, while the reverse is true of body dissatisfaction. A positive mindset about your body fosters respect and appreciation of your body’s abilities while promoting confidence in and acceptance of your unique body. Having a positive attitude toward your body means focusing on the positive aspects of your body type rather than perceived imperfections and rejecting negative opinions of ourselves. Here’s how you can improve your self-image and practice body positivity:
● Limit your exposure to negative talk about body image and unrealistic body ideals
● Eat and exercise in a way that promotes the strength and health of your body, rather than looking a certain way
● Prioritize how your mind and body feel on a daily basis rather than stressing over how it looks
● Surround yourself with body-positive talk, including yourself!
A journey that celebrates self-acceptance, challenges societal beauty norms, and fosters a positive relationship with our bodies is a worthwhile one. Make the effort and discover the strength and freedom that lies in embracing your unique self regardless of your weight and whether or not your intention is to lose weight and keep it off.
References:
Utah State University Extension. How Body Image Affects Mental Health. Available from: https://extension.usu.edu/mentalhealth/articles/how-body-image-affects-mental-health.
Mental Health Foundation. Body Image Report: Executive Summary. Available from: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/articles/body-image-report-executive-summary.
Tiggemann M, Zaccardo M. “Exercise to be fit, not skinny”: The effect of fitspiration imagery on women’s body image. Body Image. 2015;15:61-67. doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2015.06.003
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Kay Loughrey, MPH, RDN, LDN
Transformational Speaker, Breakthrough Coach, Nutritionist-Dietitian
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