Research on negative body image
Have you ever felt so bad about the way you look that you decided to stay home? Ever skipped a dinner date, a family event or even work because of it?
If so, according to a recent article you’re not alone.
“Employers lose an estimated £114.4million every year due to “negative body image” sick notes,” says the article.
It also includes findings from a study of 1,000 women, which are equally as distressing:
- A third of women won’t buy the right clothing size, because they feel self-conscious about their bodies.
- Two-thirds won’t look in the mirror, because they’re embarrassed about their appearance.
- 36 percent are so self-conscious about their bodies that they refuse intimate moments.
- Because 23 percent perceive themselves as overweight, they avoid being naked in front of their partners.
- 54 percent won’t exercise in public.
This study is just one of many in both women and men that reveals the insidious nature of negative body image. Another large-scale study found that the average woman worries about her shape and appearance every 15 minutes. This worry turns into harmful action: 20 percent have taken laxatives, 37 percent exercise excessively and 56 percent skip meals.
For information on body image, eating disorders and loving your body, check out these fantastic sites, and get empowered!
NEDA’s 10 “Will-Powers” for Improving Body Image
Something Fishy
Body Positive
Our Bodies Ourselves
5 Resolutions To Transform The Fashion and Beauty Industries
The F-Word: Food. Fat. Feminism.
If so, according to a recent article you’re not alone.
“Employers lose an estimated £114.4million every year due to “negative body image” sick notes,” says the article.
It also includes findings from a study of 1,000 women, which are equally as distressing:
- A third of women won’t buy the right clothing size, because they feel self-conscious about their bodies.
- Two-thirds won’t look in the mirror, because they’re embarrassed about their appearance.
- 36 percent are so self-conscious about their bodies that they refuse intimate moments.
- Because 23 percent perceive themselves as overweight, they avoid being naked in front of their partners.
- 54 percent won’t exercise in public.
This study is just one of many in both women and men that reveals the insidious nature of negative body image. Another large-scale study found that the average woman worries about her shape and appearance every 15 minutes. This worry turns into harmful action: 20 percent have taken laxatives, 37 percent exercise excessively and 56 percent skip meals.
For information on body image, eating disorders and loving your body, check out these fantastic sites, and get empowered!
NEDA’s 10 “Will-Powers” for Improving Body Image
Something Fishy
Body Positive
Our Bodies Ourselves
5 Resolutions To Transform The Fashion and Beauty Industries
The F-Word: Food. Fat. Feminism.
Add a Comment
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Comment by Jill Knapp on February 15, 2009 at 9:52pm -
"Get Up and Get Moving"
Great information. Even after losing over 80 pounds now I still see a heavier person in the mirror. Body Image is a problem for many. Being a former dance and Model I remember the pressure that was put on me when it came to Body Image. Thanks for sharing this. :-)
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Comment by Jennifer Cochran-Biederman, MS, MA on April 27, 2008 at 11:25pm -
Body image is so fascinating! Thank you for the great perspective. It's especially great coming from someone who has spent a significant amount of time researching body image and eating disorders.
I can't say that I don't contribute to at least a few of those negative body image stats. I don't think I have an extremely altered body image, but I do believe it's influenced by the Hollywood definition of thin. It can be really hard to accept my curves and "imperfections" as being beautiful when every day I feel like I'm told they aren't. I also have a hard time believing my fiance when he tells me he loves them, because if I can't accept them, then how possibly can he?
Thankfully, there are more and more companies are taking a realistic, rational and healthy approach to marketing women. We've also seen - and applauded - the Dove commercials. I also came across this fantastic Web site not too long ago. Myshape is dedicated to helping women of all shapes and sizes find the styles that best flaunt their body type. I think I can speak for most women when I say that a "fat" day can be quickly transformed by stepping into the right outfit!
© 2009 Created by Marie
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