Dissatisfaction With Body Weight and Shape Among Teenagers
In an example of schoolgirls aged 15 years, of 420 subjects, 59 percent reported that they wanted to look leaner and 68 percent had formerly tried to lose weight. This displeasure with weight was not limited to overweight girls. Normal weight and even skinny girls also expressed a desire to be thinner and reported using unhealthy weight control methods as well as random avoidance of staple foods, fasting, smoking and purging, in their pursuit of the 'perfect' female figure.How Many Post-Teens Are Happy With Their Shape?
According to recent research from the UK, a mere 1 percent of young UK women (aged 18-22) were "completely happy" with the shape of their body, while 10 percent admitted to taking drugs to try to achieve their ideal weight.
How Adults Perceive Their Weight and Body Shape
Investigation concerning body image reveals that women in general base their perception of their body shape on models and Hollywood stars, rather than on ordinary women. But along with research, models and film stars are 15-23 percent lower in weight and 5-6 inches taller than the 'average' American woman who is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 138 pounds. Unsurprisingly an estimated 95 percent of women have complaints about their weight and shape.
How to Improve Your Body Image
You may not know how to change your body shape. You may even have difficulty dieting. But you can change your body image. For instance:
* Stop comparing yourself with models or film stars.
* Stop focusing on the body areas you don't like - look at ALL your body.
* Get active - both physically and mentally. Busy, occupied people have less time to worry about body image and shape than those with time on their hands.
* Appreciate the things you have, rather than focusing on the things you don't have.
* When trying to lose weight, have realistic weight-loss expectations and avoid diet products that promise "instant solutions". There are no instant weight loss solutions this side of Venus.
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