Poor body image is characterized by a negative perception and evaluation of one's body and can manifest in a variety of ways. Here are some signs of poor body image:
Constantly criticizing or obsessing over one's appearance, weight, or body shape.
Avoiding social situations or activities that involve showing one's body, such as swimming or wearing shorts.
Engaging in restrictive diets or excessive exercise to try to achieve a certain body shape or size.
Comparing one's body to others and feeling inadequate or inferior as a result.
Feeling ashamed, embarrassed, or self-conscious about one's body, even in private.
Feeling anxious or depressed about one's appearance, weight, or body shape.
Feeling dissatisfied with one's body, regardless of weight loss or gain.
Engaging in behaviours such as purging, binge eating, or over-exercising as a result of negative body image.
Poor body image can lead to negative impacts on mental and emotional health, as well as physical health, and can contribute to the development of eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. If you or someone you know is struggling with poor body image, it is important to seek support from a healthcare professional or mental health provider.
Remember, we always want to look at the frequency and intensity of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Unhealthy beliefs about our body may show up as interactions between these three things that seem unrelated or indirectly linked to poor body image. For example, yo-yo dieting, mood swings, interpersonal relationship problems, guilt or shame after eating certain foods, difficulty making decisions, self-deprecation, ruminating or rebelling against healthy behaviours can all be indirect signs of body image issues. We all struggle at different times in our life with body image due to unrealistic expectations don't hesitate to reach out and talk about what's normal and what's worth letting go,
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