20, M

Firstly, I define body image as my physical appearance that everyone else can see. My body image is very important to me, because it will affects people’s first impression to me. I’m not quite satisfied with my body image currently. My weight is currently 80kg, and this makes me think I’m fat. Every time I look into the mirror, I saw my overweight body and I will feel disgusted by my own body. I tried asking my friends about how do I look. Most of them answered me with very positive answer but to me those are just comfort words. With my bad body image, I often feel embarrass to go out door. I tend to avoid social activity as I could. As time passed, this has become a major problem to me because I’m a college student and social activities are necessary. I tried few ways to lose my weight, but it’s not so satisfying. I used to play sports with my friends but just for a period. My friends have become more and more busy and we play less. I can’t exercise alone because it is really boring. Although I’m not so satisfy with my body image, I still live a happy life, and I’m sure I can overcome this problem.

M

There are something what I do not expect from my body, the first one is that I do not really like about my weight. I think my body is too heavy; my current weight is 83.5kg. That’s why I need and have tried to do some light exercise in order to decrease my body weight. The second thing that I do not like from my body is the lack of stamina. I am easily got tired after a few minute of exercise, and I easily get thirsty after I did exercise. The last thing that I do not like from my body is that there are too many scare on my body especially on my legs and hands that make me not confident enough to wear anything short.

F

I am not fat, not skinny. I fill very ok with my body, but the only one problem I have is, I think my boobs are too small and that makes me at times not to dress in front of my friend because I fill they will laugh at me so because of that I fill that why did God make my own like that, and I think this is also affecting my self esteem. I fill out of place because i see them wearing cloths that will bring out their cleavage.

20, M

At this time my weight is 89kg, which feel I should already concern about it and try to reduce it to 65 to 70 kg for my own good. My height is 179cm and to be honest I don’t really like it. Among my friends I look a bit shorter and small. There is much difference between me and my friends. I feel shy when standing beside them. I really want to grow taller and loss my weight so that I don’t have to feel anything and be proud of my self.

19, M

Everyone has something about themselves that they don’t like physically. For me it was and still is my teeth. I was born with a birth defect, where my teeth didn’t have enamel. The enamel is the outer surface of the teeth that makes the teeth white. My baby teeth were fine but my permanent teeth came out yellow.

I was ashamed of my teeth and I was the butt of jokes. For example, Qabil never brushes his teeth, dirty teeth and so many more. I felt left out and this really kept me in my shell. As I grew older the jokes began to get old and I felt that I was not going to let this get to me. I started to flourish in my studies and also socially.

When I turn 16, I found out that my teeth would disintegrate by the age of 30 if I didn’t do anything about it. As it turns out, the enamel does not only maintain the whiteness of the teeth but also acts as the first line protection of the teeth.On my dentist’s advice, I got my teeth crowned. Though it cost me a small fortune, now not only do my teeth seem so much whiter it also has a protective coating and my teeth would no longer disintegrate.

19, M

Body image is very important in the society we live in nowadays, especially with a large portion of the community being very visual in having perceptions on individuals from the way they look. For example, if there is a thin, tall, or muscular man, he has a good body image, and thus, people have a perception of that person is good looking, fit, and they assume all other habits. Same goes for a girl. If there is a slim girl, thin, fair, that girl is automatically seen by others in the society and a good looking person and thus her other attributes are assumed to be good too, just because she has a good body image. In other words, since people are very visual nowadays, first impressions matter alot, and the most common impression people look at is the body image of an individual.

However, i believe that this is not right. Body image does not only come only from body size,height and so on, but i also believe that the way an individual carry’s himself/herself is also important to body image. For example, if an individual is thin, and muscular, but has a poor body posture in standing and walking,society sees this individual as not confident, and thus he would walk slugishly,however, he/she mite be a confident perso. In contrast, if an individual is not as thin or muscular, but has a confident way of carrying his or her image,with good body posture, thus this individual would be seen by society as a good confident person, which may not necessarily be true.

If i were to question my own body image, i am not muscular,thin and tall, but at the same time not fat. I am inbetween and carry myself in an averagely confident posture. Although i say all this because i know myself, however an individual who doesn’t know me were to see me, they might have different impressions.Having mentioned the above, the point that i am trying to send out is that , every individual is unique and special in their own way. People nowadays make many perceptions and assumptions from first impressions and from what they see.As important as first impressions may be, people must change their way of making assumptions on individuals. What you may see on the outside might not be great, but its whats on the inside that counts and thats what matters most.

19, F

I am considered thin and I don’t eat much. My BMI is below average and I am 40kg harboring 39. When I actually do eat however, I consume a lot of junk food and oily food like almost everyone my age. Unhealthy I know, but don’t you think that fattening food always taste extra good? Of course I do have my insecurities like every other girl and gaining weight is one of them. I think I lead a somewhat unhealthy lifestyle, now that I’ve come to think of it. I skip my meals all the time and I don’t exercise. I also sleep during very, very odd times and hours. Thus, the night is my day and the day is my night. Other than gaining weight, I think I am quite alright with everything about me. Pimples don’t suddenly pop out of nowhere and I am glad to know that I’ve passed the puberty stage. One important thing though, everyone thinks my greatest flaw is my height because I am short. But guess what? Weight might be something that I can work on, but you can’t exactly diet to lessen height, or eat more to gain some centimeters, can you? So in conclusion, I think people should be thankful regardless of their appearance. If you’re overweight, exercise. Don’t follow my footsteps and skip meals like crazy. If you get sick often, eat healthy meals, drink a lot of water and eat plenty of fruits. Now, If only I would actually practice what I preach, then I would be a much healthier person too!

20, M

As we know, healthy body image is quite important for anyone. Before I narrate my body image, I would like to thank to god which bestow me a body that I satisfied. I always use an optimistic mind to view my body image although I am not a perfectly healthy person so far. I am very clear how my body image is. Sometimes I am quite happy because the overweight is happened to me. As I know some people always pursue a nice body shape nowadays. They buy and eat a lot of medicines to slim down their body. Is it a good way to become a healthy person? I definitely not agree because that is not guaranteed that we can slim down successfully. Some failure will cause a person become more negative and hopeless. For me, I will eat nutritious foods every day and do proper exercises frequently. So to speak “say is easier than do “. Therefore, we have to do it with strong determination regardless of how many times we failed. Overweigh is not an incurable disease. We definitely can conquer it if we want. For my experiences, physical appearance is not a main problem to have a good relationship with others. It is depends on how someone look at itself. Sometimes woman is more focus on other’s personality than their physical appearance. Guys also have a same view as woman. It doesn’t matter how other look like, as long as he or she is kind and possess a good personality. Thus, we do no need to mind how our body look like. Person who is confident, positive and kind is more attractive than who is charming but bad personality. In conclusion, a positive body image is really important to everyone. Happy can lead a person to go further. It is one of process to become a healthy person as well. I hope that people can make it and enjoy what I want to share.

20, F

“Unimportant Meals”

I was born the heaviest among my siblings. I was never considered fat in my family or being conscious about my own weight until when I was 9. Somehow my weight gained although my eating habits stayed the same since young. It just happened naturally or maybe caused by the hormonal changes at that age. I did not take much notice about it since it was not too obvious yet. My weight was stable again (did not gain more) after a few years, but was still consider heavier than the average children, not to the extent of being obese.

Everything was normal and I did not take any action to control, maintain my weight or lose weight either. Until the age of 14, I lost weight. This was because I dislike early morning breakfasts before school (and somehow my mum did not force me to have breakfasts). I would also forget to get my daily allowance from my mum before going to school; therefore I have no money to buy food during recess periods. Somehow I never get hungry and even if I do, I’d starve myself. During those few years, my mum was always working till before dinner and only to come home to cook dinner for the family as she expects me to have my lunch in school. Most of the time I would reach home (lunch time) without having any food, this means I do not eat until dinner at night (only one meal a day). Occasionally my mum would ask me if I have had lunch or what did I have for lunch, I would just lie to her.This routine was continuously happening for almost a year. During that time, I lost weight drastically. Friends at church will comment about my losing of weight. I felt happy but at the same time I know it is not good for my body and stomach. Since then too, I began to love being sick. The reason is because I know I will lose weight and I can eat less to lose weight. I continued losing weight to an extent that I can not stand hunger anymore. I started to hate the feeling of being hungry. All these while I never exercise regularly. After I realized that I could not stand my cravings for food, I knew that I need to do something else to control my weight instead. Later I joined my dad for a jog at the field near my house regularly. My dad has always jog everyday. Soon after, I started joining marathons in school and the ones organized by some private companies, for example International Run. I do not feel so conscious about my weight anymore for I can eat and no longer needs to feel hungry. I liked the way I live then because it is healthy and satisfactory. That was when I started living healthier by eating a proper balance diet and exercise.

As soon as I was living healthily, it was time to come to college – away from home! My sister stayed with me during the first year, so my eating habits were being watched for. I do forget to have my lunch or dinner when I was too caught up with studies and stress over exams. Soon enough, my sister noticed this and told my parents about the issue. They would always advise and remind me to eat, which I would just listen then forget. Whenever my parents came to the hostel to visit me and my sister, they brought foods and fruits to make sure we are eating healthily.

After my sister graduated and moved out. I was free! Although my mum still reminds me to eat, but she will never know if I do or do not eat; as usual I just listen, forget and ignore. My lifestyle has been like this since then. Not to say that I am conscious about my weight, therefore I do not eat; but more like being in the situation and environment that made me live like that. I do still try to exercise occasionally to stay healthy as like most students, I stayed up late most of the nights to finish up my work and also to play (online or chat) of course. For now I will just try to eat as healthy as possible and get over the phase when I was conscious about my weight, how I looked and my appearance to the people I meet.

20, F

The way I see my own image reflects the attitude I have on life. My attitude towards life has always been an uphill battle. I have this urge to compare myself against others and ended up feeling bad by doing so. When I was younger, there was an issue on how we all look. This took place when I was living in UK. We’re all 13 years old and are already obsessed with how our hair is supposed to look. Apparently, I had the worst hair. That stings a little. It was silly and stupid but in reality, girls made these things happen. I don’t know how it started, but whenever I see a photo of myself, I cringe. I felt like I could never get it picture perfect like everyone else’s picture. Most of my friends will not see me putting up pictures until I have lost 15 kilos (I wish!) or I’m sure that it passes my standard. Myspace and the like have raised the narcissism level up a notch. Someone actually pointed out that I look like somebody’s mother. Oh, how that hurts. This kind of comment really annoys me and it became the reason why I shut down my Myspace. I have no regrets for that. It’s not that I completely hate myself; I just cringe at certain parts. Some people never help to boost your self esteem and you have to get rid of people like that in your life. Unfortunately, I did met some but then I gain new friends that love you just the way you are, faults and all.

20, M

Hi my name is ... and I’ve been fighting a battle not many people would encounter in their life. The fight to gain weight.

I’ve always had a battle with my weight for a long time. Since I was kid, I’ve always been extremely skinny and that made me stand out from my group of normal weight friends. They would always tease me by calling me “kacang panjang” and “lidi”. No matter how much I tried to gain weight, it would never work. I vowed to myself that one day I would gain weight and no longer be super skinny.During secondary school things were a lot more calmer since most of the people were much more matured. Throughout those years I once again felt awkward being too skinny since most of the boys we’re getting bigger and more built. Luckily I had my tall height to make up for it even though it made me look skinny. I tried eating 5 meals a day but to no avail. My body just refused to gain weight. But still in my heart I told myself I would persevere until I increased my BMI (body mass index).

When I first started college, I had a high school friend that advised me to follow him to the gym. And thinking that I would stand to gain something out of it, I heeded his advice. There I got a personal trainer that taught me the basics of gaining weight and body toning. Also following his advice I bought professional weight gaining supplements. After just 5 months of going to the gym, I could feel the difference in myself. I had higher endurance and a bigger stamina. Slowly my weight began to increase. I had to follow a strict diet of protein and carbohydrates. Also had to cut down on all snacks and unhealthy food.

Soon I began to feel much more positive about myself and my body image. I started going more to the gym and in the process meet many people who once too had problems losing or gaining weight. The key to achieving your personal body image goal is to never give up. No matter what anyone says, keep on persevering. With the right coaching and techniques you are sure to achieve it. I’m still not happy with my body image and this journey will take me a long way more before I find self satisfaction.

19, M

I am a boy , age 19 this year and a local Malaysian. Throughout the experience of my life, I’ve stumble upon many issues pertaining the shape, sizes and weight of the body of many people. Many people especially among women, expressed dissatisfaction of their body outlook.

As for me, I would like to grab this opportunity to verbalize my thoughts on how I feel about my own body. I am honoured to say that I have a slim body with a height of 5’11 but I wouldn’t dare to say I have a fit body. My waist is 34cm, weighed 70 kg and I never really control my diet, at least not as extreme as the others around me.

I used to exercise during secondary school and everything comes to a halt after I graduated a year ago. It was due to time constraint as I occupied myself with the daily routine in college. If I am given a chance, I would go for gym session at least once every week to maintain a healthy body and perpetuate my stamina. Nevertheless, I am no different from other. I, too, hope to change my body outlook from fats that accumulated to a more muscular one.

Furthermore, my parents used to nag at me especially about food intake. I like to eat junk food without control. I am no vegetarian and I eat meat more. Fastfood is something inevitable for me and I tend to lost control of myself whenever I encountered it.To sum it up, I am contented with my current physical body except for some slight adjustment that I need to work out. Everyone is no exception from being mindful about their own physical attractiveness and yearns for a better change. However, I am not hesitate to answer any questions concerning my body as I am trying to share the story with everyone.

19, M

Body image, is something much of a sensitive topic of self-evaluation. Even the most perfect body, one can never be satisfied with their current body and is always in thoughts of improving their physical body much further.

Being born in a family where you are eldest and one of the shortest in the family does cause one to have low-self esteem. Having a young brother who is 5 inches taller in height does make my self-confidence to be much lower then normal. However, as time goes by this is no longer much of an issue, because we tend to mature and have an opinion that height is no longer of an issue.

Apart from the height factor, I would presume that I have a middle sized Asian body. This however can be improved with a little of exercise and body building exercise to tone the muscles a bit. Overall of my self perception of my body is much of the moderate level as compared to when I was much younger when I was very inferior of my own body and physical attribute.

19, F

Many people desires an hourglass shaped body - slim, tall, with visible waistline. I never knew I had that until recently my friends commented on my body. I thank God indeed for this figure. One that I'm very satisfied with.

The reason for this satisfaction is due to few reasons which will bring us back to the past. Well in primary school I used to be a girl that is being bullied all the time due to my small size. My friends would just pass by and tease me or push me and I won’t be able to fight back. I found myself helpless at times BUT all these changes when I stepped into secondary school. I was a lot taller and stronger than most of my friends at that time. Wow what a great feeling it was, unfortunately I did not stop growing in weight until recently. I was soon commented by my friends and relatives that I’ve gained weight during my secondary school years.

What unhappy moments those times were! It’s like it just won’t stop. Every turn I went surely there will be someone who would comment on my weight. I want it to stop; no comment about me especially not my weight. Soon after that, I started to lose weight with the help of a change in my diet, of course and well no other particular reason. Man the next time my friends and relative saw me, the only thing they commented was “Wow, u looked great now, slimmer! What did you do to yourself?” I can’t describe how happy I was. So from a small size, to a little heavier girl to who I am now, I am proud to say that I am indeed satisfied with my body image now!

20, F

feI am a person who does not know about fashion. My weight is normal but not that slim. As an Asian girl, I have normal height. I do not like to shopping, so I do not have luxurious things such as branded or beautiful things. All of my clothes that I’m wearing are chosen by my friends. I do not know how to dress up and make up myself. In conclusion, I think my personal body image is not good as other girls. I wish to have a good body image, so that I can make more friends. Most of the people usually only make friends with those pretty girls or handsome boys. So, I’m trying to blend into the fashion.

WHAT MEN SAY...

1. Does womens body size matter to you?
74% men said yes
26% men said no

2. What size is your gf/wife?
Average = Size 12

3. Do you knoe the average size of a british woman?
1% man said size 4
1% man said size 6
2% men said size 8
10% men said size 10
26% men said size 12
38% men said size 14
20% men said size 16
1% man said size 18
1% man said size 20+

4. Would you like your girlfriend to....
28% men wanted their gf's to drop a dress size
4% men wanted them to go up a dress size
58% men wanted them to stay the same
10% men did not answer

5. Which of these female celebrities have the bes body?
Keira Knightly = 6% men
Kate Moss = 1% man
Abbey Clancey= 11% men
Alex Curran = 3% men
Collen Mcloughlin = 4% men
Giselle Bunchan = 8% men
Kelly Brooke = 40% men
Holly wilhouby = 6% men
Mylenne Klass – 15% men
Kate Winslet = 6% men

6. Would you leave your partner if?
2% man said if his partner went up one dress size
9% men said if his partner went up 2 dress sizes
25% men said if they went up 3 dress sizes
64% men said if they went up 3+ dress sizes

7. Have your partners body issues ever caused problems in your relationship?
29% men said yes
71% men said no

8. do you wish your partner was more body confident?
77% men said yes
23% men said no

*Note: Survey results are obtained from Fabulous Mag.

What do you think about the results of our survey? Do you agree with the women or the men? Were you surprised? Were you pleased with what the men said? Please leave your comment.

WHAT WOMEN SAY...

1.Which do you think is the perfect body?

2. How Much Do you Weigh?
Average = 10st 1lb stone

3. What is your height?
Average = 5”5

4. Do you want to Lose weight?
79% Women said YES
21% Women said NO

5. How much Weight do you want to lose?
37% wanted to lose 1-7lb
30% wanted to lose 8lb-1st
16% wanted to lose 1-2st
8% wanted to lose 2-3st
4% wanted to lose 3-4st
5% wanted to lose 4+ st

6. What dress size do you want to be?
1% woman wanted to be a size 4
14% women wanted to be size 6
32 women wanted to be size 8
22% women wanted to be size 10
24% women wanted to be size 12
5% women wanted to be size 14
1% woman wanted to be a size 16
0 % women = size 16
1% woman wanted to be a size 20+

7. Which part of your body do you like least?
7% women said their faces 16% women said their breasts
5% women said their arms
45% women said their stomachs
10% women said their bums
17% women said their thighs

8. Which part of your body are you most happy with?
28% women said their faces
36% women said their breasts
12% women said their arms
6% said their stomachs
13% said their bums
5% said their thighs

9. How often do you worry about your appearance?
21% women constantly feel this way
21% women often feel this way
40% women sometimes feel this way
18% women never feel this way

10. When you look in the mirror, how do you feel?
29% women are happy
40% women are ok
16% women would like to lose more
9% women are upset
6% women never look at themselves

11. Do you worry that you husband/partner may not be attracted to you?
55 % worry that their partner may not be attracted to them

47% do not worry

12. which part of your body do you think is most attractive?
15% said face
56% said breasts
1% said arms
4% said their stomachs
24% said their bums
0% said thighs

13. whose body do you admire most?
1% Nicole Richie
1%% said Victoria beckham
1% said keira Knightley
0% Agyness Dein
4% Sarah Jessica Parker
3% said Kate moss
9% said Abby Clancey
1% said Alex curran
7% Colleen Mcloughlin
15% said Giselle Bunchanan
22% Kelly Brook
5%% said Holly Willouhby
26% said Myleene Klass
0% said Beth ditto

14. which celebrity has the best?
32% said face
15% said Breasts
1% said arms
21% said stomachs
14% said bums
0% said legs
17% did no answer

15. would you ever consider plastic surgery?
56% Said yes to surgery
44% said no to surgery

16. What surgery would you have (for those who said yes) ?
41% chose liposuction
5% chose gastic band
34% said breast enlargement
20% chose breast enlargement

17. In a bid to lose weight have you ever: fasted, made yourslef sick, laxatives, diet pills.
21% women have fasted
11% women have made themselves sick
7% women have laxatives
25% women have taken diet pills
36% women did not answer the question

18. Have you ever been jealous of your friends figure?
50% women have been jealous of their friends
50% women have not
20. When you see pictures of celebrities what do you do?
45% women compare themselves to celebrities
55% women are depressed upon seeing images of celebrities

*Note: Survery results are obtained from Fabolous Mag.

What do you think about the results of our survey? Do you agree with the women or the men? Were you surprised? Were you pleased with what the men said? Please leave your comment.

Positive and Negative Body Image

Positive body Image is ...

• A clear, true perception of your shape ---- you see various parts of your body as they really are.
• You celebrate and appreciate your natural body shape and you understand that a person's physical appearance says very little about their character and value as a person.
• You feel proud and accepting of your unique body and refuse to spend an unreasonable amount of time worrying about food, weight and calories.
• You feel comfortable and confident in your body.

Negative body Image is ...

• A distorted perception of your shape ---- you perceive parts of your body unlike they really are
• You are convinced that only other people are attractive and that your body size or shape is a sign of personal failure.
• You feel ashamed, self-conscious and anxious about your body.
• You feel uncomfortable and awkward in your body.
  

Reference: http://www.healthyplace.com/eating-disorders/main/body-image-distortion-a-growing-problem-among-women-and-men/menu-id-58/#top

Developing a Healthy Body Image

Here are some guidelines (Adapted from BodyLove: Learning to Like Our Looks and Ourselves, Rita Freeman, Ph.D.) that can help you work toward a positive body image:

• Listen to your body. Eat when you are hungry.
• Be realistic about the size you are likely to be based on your genetic and environmental history.
• Exercise regularly in an enjoyable way, regardless of size.
• Expect normal weekly and monthly changes in weight and shape.
• Work towards self acceptance and self forgiveness- be gentle with yourself.
• Ask for support and encouragement from friends and family when life is stressful.
• Decide how you wish to spend your energy -- pursuing the "perfect body image" or enjoying family, friends, school and, most importantly, life.

Think of it as the three A's
Attention: Refers to listening for and responding to internal cues (i.e., hunger, satiety, fatigue).
Appreciation: Refers to appreciating the pleasures your body can provide.
Acceptance: Refers to accepting what is -- instead of longing for what is not.

Healthy body weight is the size a person naturally returns to after a long period of both non-compulsive eating* and consistent exercise commensurate with the person' s physical health and condition. We must learn to advocate for ourselves and our children to aspire to a naturally determined size, even though that will often mean confronting misinformed family, friends, and media advertising again and again.

Judy Lightstone, M.F.C.C. is a licensed Marriage, Family, Child Counselor in Berkely, CA. She has a private practice where she works with individuals and couples.Visit her website at http://www.psychotherapist.org/. Permission for use granted by Judy Lightstone.

Tips For Better Body Image

Body beautiful is often a misleading term. Beauty is not so much about fairness and smoothness of skin as it is about the personality of the person concerned. Our positive qualities often outweigh our size and shape. To look beautiful, it is important that we love it and feel comfortable with it. Negative body image can lead to depression and shyness. It is time that we stop criticizing minute details and start praising the assets, blessings and the gift of God. Instead of turning a recluse every time a pimple appears, women must realize their potential of giving life. Doctors agree that most of the eating disorders in women result from comparing themselves to beauty divas on ramps that flaunt not so healthy picture of being 'slim'.

Judge on the fitness of your body, not according to fads, but by your stamina, endurance, strength and comfort. Develop your own style and stop being a beauty and fashion industry victim. Do exercises that you can enjoy - be it jogging, cycling, gardening or dancing. Indulge in any sport that allows movements, not to lose weight but to strengthen your heart, lungs and muscles and give you a break. Diets are helpful in losing weight but only temporarily, so don't put all your focus on them and work around them to have balanced meal and still have all the essential nutrients and proteins that your body needs. Some fat on hips and thighs is quiet essential for women and give them that feminine shape, so don't loose your sleep over that. Try to improve your body image by looking at yourself like a young child. Treat body with respect. Stop smoking, taking drugs, eat well and exercise within your comfort level. Do not give in to teasing and peer pressure and remember that much of your looks may depend on the ethnicity, heritage and environment in which you live. Idealized men and women body proportions are good enough for seeing but there is much more in world to look forward to than brooding on how to develop or tone those muscles.

Reference: http://beauty.indobase.com/body-care/tips-for-better-body-image.html