UCC Health Matters E-zine May 2014 | Page 3

Comparing oneself to such an idealized image can make you feel bad about your own body. The concern is that the overall impact of the media has become so powerful that more and more young males and females are adopting health damaging practices attempting to achieve such an idealized state. This can be detrimental to both physical and mental health. Eating disorders, for example, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia have been found to be partly due to more young females having a negative body image caused by media exposure.

What Can You Do?

It should always be remembered that some aspects of your appearance simply cannot be changed. Your height, muscle and bone structure are determined by genetics; what you are born with. It is, therefore, not only potentially detrimental to your health, but also a complete waste of your own time trying to change what cannot be changed. This is time that should be spent enjoying yourself rather than obsessing over how you look.

Some simple steps to remember to improve your body image include:

•Not comparing yourself to the images displayed in the media, many of which are photo-shopped in any case.

•Avoiding media which makes you feel bad about yourself, particularly those that say you need to look a certain way in order to appear attractive.

•Focusing on the positive aspects of your own body, what your body can do rather than on how you look.

•Wearing what’s comfortable and looks good on you. You will feel a lot better about how you look when you feel like your clothing suits you.

•Eating healthily and in moderation. Avoid fad diets and focus on healthy foods that make you feel energetic and awake.

To see what your body image is like, try this test compiled by Deanne Jade, Principal of The National Centre of Eating Disorders in the UK.

If you feel that you may have a problem with your body image you should arrange an appointment with the student counseling service for assistance.

Add in link to service on poster in student health

Click here to become involved in advocating positive body image and mental wellbeing with ProYouth.eu- a European health initiative with representation in UCC.