Body Image
Most people have issues concerning their weight and overall appearance. While in some cases it is necessary for an individual to reduce their weight for health reasons, for most it goes beyond physical fitness and touches deep psychological concerns.
The Planned Parenthood Federation defines body image as "the way you see yourself and imagine how you look" (1). Due to constant advertisements, we have unrealistic demands for ourselves resulting in poor body image and feeling of unworthiness. Instead of acknowledging the fact that all people are different and striving for vitality we enter the never ending circle of dieting and excessive exercise. The consequences of this issue range from poor self-esteem to refusal to undertake anything serious in life because of not having the desired number on the scale.
While the outlook is not so good, there are ways of dealing with the issue and regaining positive body image. Of course, the matter should be dealt with at a level of the society on the whole. Magazines, movies and social media in general should be obliged to display people of all sizes and complexion putting emphasis on naturally healthy beauty rather than on anorexic one. The Glamour magazine has already made the first step towards shifting perspectives from skinny to natural by breaking the underweight models pattern and posting a picture of a woman of different body complexion (1).
Another possible alternative would be for people to stop automatically assuming a person is good for nothing just by looking at their size. Judging by knowledge and life achievements will put the weight concerns lower on the value list.
After all, life is about well-being and vitality. Following imposed unrealistic pictures only leaves us discontented and not living to the fullest. The problem of poor body image is pressing and must be devoted more time and effort to.
Online sources
Leive, Cindi. "The Picture You Can't Stop Talking About: Meet "the Woman on p. 194"." Glamour. N.p., 17 Aug. 2009. Web.
"Body Image." Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2017.
