CRGHD: Your Beauty extends beyond body Shape and Size

Our desire to become beautiful in this modern era has caused many children, adolescents, adults and elderly men and women to have negative body image.

Majority of men and women alike  record higher risks of mental, metabolic and physical health problems across the globe. Meanwhile, studies have shown that people with positive body image have good mental health.

You may ask, "What is body image?". Body image refers to how you think and feel about your body. It includes how you feel about your appearance, stature, height, weight, complexion, and how you behave as a result of these thoughts and feelings.

Take note, a negative body image may lead to low self esteem which can affect most areas of your life. Women happen to be most vulnerable.
Also, negative body image results in depression, anxiety disorder, body dysmorphic disorder (a serious illness where a person experiences preoccupied mirror or imaginary physical flaws),  metabolic, financial and physical health related issues.

Factors that lead to negative body image include but not limited to;

1. Past events and circumstances.

2. Being teased or bullied for how you look.

3. Seeing images and messages in the media.

4. Being underweight, overweight and obesed.

As mentioned earlier, the impact of negative body image is dreadful and shouldn’t be encouraged.

You have a role to play in order to avoid being a victim of this trending menace. You can follow these simple preventive measures below to help you attain a healthy body image.
1. Love your body

2. Understand that your body changes are part of your growth and development

3. See your body as a vehicle to your dreams

4. Do not let your body weight, height, shape etc disconnect you from your personal style

5. Learn to feel good about your body.

6. Wear clothes of your choice that give you comfort, helps express your personal style, and makes you feel good.

It is not enough to follow the above measures. The key is for you to be able to refocus the energy you will spend worrying about your body to think positively or accomplish something worthwhile. You can surround yourself with people that remind you of your inner strength and beauty.

You have to bear in mind that as humans, we come from different backgrounds and that influences our body shape and size. You must not allow the current trend of beauty to define who you are. As the old adage goes, "beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder".

Irrespective of your body size or shape,  you are beautiful. So, love yourself, love your body and relief yourself from negative body image.

References

Grab S., et al (2008). The role of the media in body image concerns among women: experimental and correlation studies

Choa H. L., (2015). Body image change in obese and underweight loss interval program: a systematic review and meta analysis.
                                                                                Writer: Emanice Johnson
Profession: Pharmacist