Body Image

Body image, by definition, is one's feelings or attitudes toward there own body. This is a trending topic in society because everyone strives to have that perfect body image that we see on countless T.V. shows and in various magazines. However, is someone in a magazine really who you want to look like? It is crazy how the psychological and physical affects can affect a person. One study done by Dr. Aric Sigman explored the psychological process when someone who is overweight sees a skinnier person. In women, when looking at a skinnier women, their brain chemistry automatically changes which diminishes self-esteem and leads to self loathing. It is fascinating what just looking at skinnier people can do. It seems that it is the worst in teenage girls. Being a teenager means lots of judgement, bias, and often times you get treated differently if you are "good" looking or "bad" looking. We see the development of eating disorders in young teens because they are striving to look like someone else. A recent study done in Sweden says that gender, socio-economic status, and ethnicity are all highly correlated to eating disorders. In some ways it seems that people that fit these three areas that correlated the most don't have a choice. They see others doing it, and because they are in the same situation, they do it too. Another study done by Garner and Garfinkel demonstrates that those in professions that there is a particular social social pressure to be thin (such as models and dancers) are much more likely to develop anorexia throughout there career.

Overall, body image is something that can be a very dangerous thing. I understand the need to feel good and look good, but don't do it for anyone else but yourself. People need to lose weight in different and more healthy ways. I believe we need more people who specialize in body image and how it affects a person's actions and overall psychological state so we can prevent various eating disorders.