Body Image

So what is body image?

During the ages of 12-18 years our bodies go through many changes. This time is called puberty. Both girls and boys grow quickly during this time but there are some other changes too:

For girls:

• breasts get bigger
• hips get wider
• legs get hairier
• faces may develop pimples or acne.

For boys:

• the body becomes hairier
• voices 'break' and become deeper
• faces may develop pimples or acne.

These changes can lead to 'body image issues' for boys and girls.

What is body image?

Body image is how we see, think and feel about our bodies. We want to feel good about how we look. But we also want to be accepted by others.

People who are comfortable about the way their body looks in a mirror have a positive body image. But as we go through puberty it's easy to have doubts, especially if we compare ourselves with the images of young people in TV ads and movies. We start to think that what we look like defines us as a person.

Having a negative body image is when we feel our bodies are not good enough. Our self-esteem may suffer and we may be suspicious of compliments.

The media

The media is one of our worst enemies. If you spent all your time reading magazines or watching television you might think that everyone had a gorgeous body. But when you look around at school or at home very few of us are hunks or supermodels.

Beware of the hype!

Girls
The fashion industry tries to get you to buy clothes by showing you fashions on a size 8 model. Fashion in Australia is a $14 billion industry. It persuades us our bodies are not good enough so we'll buy their products. Studies show that many girls in Australia believe that they are larger and fatter than they really are and that only one in five girls is happy with her body weight.

Boys
TV ads can suggest that if you have the right body you'll get the perfect girlfriend, fast car or even money, success and happiness. This is what they want you to think so you'll buy their products.

Getting positive about body image

Girls

• Don't get pulled around by media messages. It's not your job to wear tiny clothes or look the way they want.
• Don't read magazines with unrealistic images. Maybe write a letter of complaint about pictures used in them!
• Don't listen to peer pressure from your friends. If necessary change your friends.
• Identify at least 3 things that are unique about you and that you like.
• Try to recognise how many people love you for who you are, and love them in the same way.

Boys

• Eat healthy food that you feel good about eating.
• Have good friends around you. Friends who you trust and who make you feel good about yourself.
• Change the subject if your friends talk about weight or start comparing remarks about people's looks.

Everyone

• Be active. It makes you feel and look good
• Get to know your body and how it works on the inside to keep you healthy.
• Get rid of any images on your walls at home that make you feel bad about yourself.
• Limit the time you spend looking in the mirror. There is much more to life than worrying about your looks all of the time. It's ok to be different.
• Do something you really like to do. Enjoy eating good food. Spend quality time with people who aren't going to judge you.
• Talking really does help. Talk to people you can trust: friends, parents, or your school counsellor.

If you believe there is a real issue about your weight, investigate healthy strategies to lose weight or to reshape your body. Your doctor can help or call Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (24 hours) or Youth Helpline 1300 13 1719 (9 to 5 weekdays)

If you are a young woman who would like to explore more about your body image, click on the following link for a fun and informative journal.
  A weight off my mind

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