Body Image
Body image is how you perceive yourself in your mind and how you see yourself reflected in the mirror; how you feel about your height, shape, and weight; how you feel in your body; and how you sense and control your body as you move.
Healthy body image
A healthy body image can be created when an individual sets a goal to improve his or her health, energy, appearance, and mood instead of trying to maintain a certain size or shape. An individual with a healthy body image thinks of herself or himself as a whole person considering character, friendliness, intelligence, skills, and feelings.
Things to keep in mind when forming a healthy body image:
- Recognize negative outside pressures . Advertisements can trick you into creating a negative body image to sell you products and/or services. Your friends and family may be buying into this commercial and pop culture and they may influence your thoughts and views.
- Notice when you feel negative about your body . The first step is to notice your negative thoughts. Then, you can take further steps to challenge and modify those thoughts.
- Accept your natural size . If you incorporate moderate eating and physical activity, your body can reach a healthy weight naturally.
- Allow time for change . Developing a healthy body image takes time because body attitudes can be powerful and deep. Take time to appreciate your body one part at a time.
- Use different measures . The scale and the size you wear are not always good ways to rate yourself. Instead, think of what your body does for you and the activities that you can do to feel and look healthy.
Recipe for a healthy body image
- Focus on goals and strengths that go beyond your appearance.
- Refuse to spend an unreasonable amount of time worrying about food, weight, and calories.
- Spend less time in front of mirrors.
- Exercise for the joy of feeling your body move and grow stronger.
- List your good qualities.
- Eat food that you enjoy when you are hungry and stop eating when you are full.
- Get to know people beyond physical appearances. Admire unique qualities in individuals.
- Surround yourself with people and things that make you feel good about yourself and your abilities.
- Consider the media’s portrayal of beauty standards critically.
- Celebrate and appreciate your natural body shape.
- Admire parts of your body for their functions and how they make you feel.
- Enjoy meals with friends or family members.
Where can you go for help?
Campus Experts
- Student Health Services, 314.935.6666. Call to schedule an appointment with a counselor to talk about healthy body image.
- For nutrition information or programs, contact Connie Diekman, M.Ed., R.D., at 314.935.4439 or Connie_Diekman@wustl.edu
- For tips on improving your physical fitness and information about the S40 Fitness Center, contact Martha Tillman, Director of the South 40 Fitness Center, by calling 314.935.5023 or emailing MTillman@WUSTL.EDU.
On-Line Resources
- National Eating Disorders Association www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
How can you learn more?
Professional
- Health Promotion Services provides brochures and other resources. To request a program, contact Melissa Ruwitch at 314.935.7139 or via email
Peer
- Uncle Joe’s Peer Counseling and Resource Center, 24 hour hotline, 314.935.5099. If you wish to speak to someone in person, visit the Uncle Joe’s office in the basement of Gregg Hall, 10pm-1am nightly.
- Reflections. To request an educational program on healthy body image, email Reflections
