Post by emilykate on May 18, 2010 20:26:01 GMT -5
Here are some quotes plucked from a factsheet I read at www.youth.vic.gov.au/Web21/ofy/rwpgslib.nsf/GraphicFiles/Key+Facts+about+Body+Image/$file/Key+Facts+about+Body+Image+pdf.pdf
I'll attach the factsheet itself to this post. It's interesting to read about the body image concerns in men, also. Both genders experience unnecessary unhappiness - and worse - due to unhealthy body image; however, the experiences and responses of men and women differ.
Weight, and weight loss
"• Between 70 – 76% of Australian high school girls consistently choose an ideal
figure that they wish to have that is thinner than their own.
• Over 50% Australian high school girls have tried to lose weight. Only 16% of
young women are happy with their body weight.
• Of healthy weight Australian women, 47% believe they are overweight.
• At least 20% of women who are underweight think that they are overweight
and are dieting."
It's no wonder that, 12 years after the first International No Diet Day event, the MSA Women's Department are still looking to raise awareness on this issue. (Note: I agree the term 'No Diet' is problematic: perhaps a better option would be 'No Fad Diet' or 'No Physically and Mentally Unhealthy Weighloss Dieting'; however, that is not what was decided upon back in '92 and so we remain part of the International movement and use the term 'No Diet'.)
Mental Health and Body Image
"Anxiety, depression; obsessive behaviour; social isolation; irritability; suicidal tendencies; eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia, excessive dieting; lack of assertiveness; guilt; self-dislike; and impairment at school are all symptoms of the affects of negative body image in young people."
"The long-term nature of these disorders [anorexia and bulimia] means that many people carry these conditions well into adulthood."
Body Image and the Media's Responsibility
"• Girls in early adolescence are particularly vulnerable to messages about being OK as they are sensitive about their body image and whether they measure up to the peer group.
• There is a marked link between TV watching and negative body and eating
disorders.
• Television advertising featuring idealised thinness negatively affected both
the mood and the body image of adolescent girls, with those in the 13–15 year age group being more affected."
I'll attach the factsheet itself to this post. It's interesting to read about the body image concerns in men, also. Both genders experience unnecessary unhappiness - and worse - due to unhealthy body image; however, the experiences and responses of men and women differ.
Weight, and weight loss
"• Between 70 – 76% of Australian high school girls consistently choose an ideal
figure that they wish to have that is thinner than their own.
• Over 50% Australian high school girls have tried to lose weight. Only 16% of
young women are happy with their body weight.
• Of healthy weight Australian women, 47% believe they are overweight.
• At least 20% of women who are underweight think that they are overweight
and are dieting."
It's no wonder that, 12 years after the first International No Diet Day event, the MSA Women's Department are still looking to raise awareness on this issue. (Note: I agree the term 'No Diet' is problematic: perhaps a better option would be 'No Fad Diet' or 'No Physically and Mentally Unhealthy Weighloss Dieting'; however, that is not what was decided upon back in '92 and so we remain part of the International movement and use the term 'No Diet'.)
Mental Health and Body Image
"Anxiety, depression; obsessive behaviour; social isolation; irritability; suicidal tendencies; eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia, excessive dieting; lack of assertiveness; guilt; self-dislike; and impairment at school are all symptoms of the affects of negative body image in young people."
"The long-term nature of these disorders [anorexia and bulimia] means that many people carry these conditions well into adulthood."
Body Image and the Media's Responsibility
"• Girls in early adolescence are particularly vulnerable to messages about being OK as they are sensitive about their body image and whether they measure up to the peer group.
• There is a marked link between TV watching and negative body and eating
disorders.
• Television advertising featuring idealised thinness negatively affected both
the mood and the body image of adolescent girls, with those in the 13–15 year age group being more affected."
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