However this problem is vastly growing and it is affecting the younger generation also. The Good Childhood Inquiry found that 10-15% of young people reported that they were unhappy with their appearance and about a fifth of 14 year-old girls said that they felt under pressure from the media to lose weight. With minors becoming more aware of the media everyday with the help of the easy access of the internet these statistics are sure to rise in the future if nothing changes.
As taken from the Body Lovin’ Guide no.2; “Body image has nothing to do with reality. Body image refers to the subjective perception we have of our physical selves, and the subjective and judgemental way we might perceive others based on their physical presentation.” So how can these perceptions be changed? That’s where the Body Image Movement takes the spotlight.
might perceive others based on their physical presentation.” So how can these perceptions be changed? That’s where the Body Image Movement takes the spotlight.
The Body Image Movement was created by a mother of three children. Taryn wanted to teach her daughter to love her own body for what she looked like and what it could do rather than trying to be someone else’s idea of perfect. However Taryn was suffering with loving her own body and felt if she couldn’t feel the way she wanted her daughter to feel something had to change. Taryn was close to having plastic surgery when she had an epiphany. She realised that it was not her body that needed changing but her attitude towards it.
It soon became clear that women all across the world could also benefit from what Taryn had learnt throughout her journey. Now the founder and spokeswoman for the movement her message has reached over 100 million people worldwide. Her documentary, Embrace, shows her journey as she talks to experts and women of all body types from all over the world about the body image issues we suffer with everyday.
Changing the way that you view your body is a difficult journey, but once you reach the light at the end of the tunnel nothing can hold you back. It’s really surprising how much body confidence can change you.
For more information on how to love your body and gain body confidence
watch Embrace or read the body lovin’ guides.
Remember every body is beautiful and unique, so embrace what you have and don’t let anyone tell you differently.
Images on this page thanks to
Amanda Bos
Eating Psychology Coach