Are You A Body Image Advocate?

5,000 advertising messages a day – that’s what each of us is exposed to on average. We are bombarded by unrealistic images of “perfect” bodies, and it’s hard to keep it from influencing our self-perceptions.

• 42% of 1^st – 3^rd graders want to be thinner
• 81% of 10 year olds are afraid of being fat
• 70% of 18 – 30 year olds don’t like their bodies
• 60% of those in middle age remain unsatisfied

Sadly these beliefs lead to unhealthy behaviors with food and exercise. It starts a negative cycle of not believing that we are enough, tying our worth to external measures and opinions, trying to change ourselves into something unrealistic, and becoming more depressed and anxious in our failure.

Social change starts one person at a time. Your thoughts, your voice, and your actions CAN make a difference. Here’s how you can become a healthy body image advocate and end the negative cycle for yourself and others.

View media images through a critical lens.

Technology has come a long way since the camera was invented. Photos aren’t expressions of reality anymore – they are full-scale productions created to express specific messages. That message is usually, “You aren’t good enough until you buy our product.” Be aware and proceed with care.

Be a role model for healthy self-care.

Change begins with you! Are you living a healthy way of life – physically, mentally, and emotionally? Challenge your own unrealistic beliefs about body and weight. What defines your self-worth? How are you positively taking care of yourself? Here are some ideas to help you love your body and your self just as you are.

• Be active in ways you enjoy. Appreciate your body’s ability to move, breath, smile, and simply be.
• Eat foods that will nourish your body and give you energy. Your body deserves the best, right? Show it some love by creating a delicious and healthy meal.
• Do things to support the healthy of your soul. Journal, read, draw or paint, meditate, dance, whatever feels good from the inside out.
• Keep a gratitude journal. Each morning or evening, write down something you are thankful for – about yourself, others, or the world around you.

Support positive media images and campaigns.

How do you talk about body image in your daily life? Talk back to the print and TV images you see, share your body image advocacy with your friends, and teach your children the difference between external validation and internal self-worth. Take the message online through social media sites, write comments and letters to organizations that use negative body images, and use your consumer purchasing power to support your views. Social change starts one person at a time.

Learn more about eating disorders, body image, and healthy food and exercise behaviors.

There are so many organizations out there that support healthy body image. Here are some places to get you started. Check them out and share what you learn with your friends and family.

• National Eating Disorders Association
• Project HEAL
• About Face
• Adios Barbie
• Eat Right, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• This Girl Can