Do you have body angst?

Body image involves far more than our perception of how we appear to others. It encompasses our self-esteem and self-respect, and it can impinge on everything from a decision about what dress we wear to a party to our relationships, work and health.

Studies suggest that women and men are constantly evaluating themselves, based on whether they look good and how they feel about their bodies. These studies also show a direct correlation between low self-esteem and poor body image so, in theory, by developing a better body image, we could all improve our self-confidence.

Almost the entire Western world is obsessed with image in one way or another, so it’s only natural that we all focus on how we look. This tendency can become exacerbated by growing up in a family that places enormous emphasis on appearance or being at a school where thin girls are perceived as being perfect. In these circumstances, a distorted body image can be reinforced and begin to develop into an eating disorder.

You don’t need to have an eating disorder to have distorted body image. Answer the questions below to see how your body image shapes up:

Are you:

• preoccupied with body shape and size or constantly weighing yourself and feeling dissatisfied with your body?
• continually seeking approval from friends about how you look, or experiencing a general feeling of insecurity about your body’s appearance?
• always comparing your body to others and dwelling on your imperfections?
• frequently worrying over what to wear and hiding parts of your body you dislike?
• feeling that worrying over your body is ruining your life and causing you to feel anxious and depressed?
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