Background

Body image involves our perception, imagination, emotions, and physical sensations of and about our bodies. It s not static- but ever changing; sensitive to changes in mood, environment, and physical experience. It is not based on fact. It is psychological in nature, and much more influenced by self-esteem than by actual physical attractiveness as judged by others. It is not inborn, but learned. This learning occurs in the family and among peers, but these only reinforce what is learned and expected culturally.The Body Image Forum simply asks “when you look in the mirror, what do you see?” Do you embrace your physical appearance, or yearn for change? Do you accept your physical differences or take extreme measures in an attempt to change your body? How far are you willing to go to feel better about yourself? Are you happy? Be honest. Be open. Express yourself without fear of judgment. Through your words and shared thoughts, this forum will take an unflinching look at how our students perceive their bodies, allow individuals an opportunity to reveal their perceptions of their own self-image and explain how far some are willing to go to fit in.
Showing posts with label Female. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Female. Show all posts

Thursday, October 8, 2009

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.

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!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

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.

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.