New Year, New You, January is that time of year that may also bring anxiety, with some people concerned about their appearance.
Social media buzzes with images of lean torsos and tanned skin. While there’s nothing wrong with trying to get in shape and live a healthier lifestyle, the problem is the perception that some bodies belong on a beach and others don’t — and that you must prepare your body to suit this ideal.
Unfortunately, this does not appear to be a widely held belief. According to a 2021 survey, 58% of adults in the UK have encountered some weight stigma.
The media has contributed to distorted perceptions of the body. In a separate study, 69% of participants admitted that magazine photographs influenced their thoughts about “ideal” body weight, with 47% indicating a desire to lose weight after seeing these images.
Social media has fuelled unrealistic physique ideals, particularly among young people. According to the research, 53% of young adults who thought they weren’t skinny enough or were afraid of growing too big had “clinically significant” signs of body dysmorphic disorder.
These studies demonstrate the adverse effects that terms like “beach body” may have on both adults and children and why it is critical to promote healthy body standards and love bodies of all shapes and sizes.
Bodies aren’t “good” or “bad” in any way.
Unfortunately, social media has taught us that particular physical types are “good” or “bad.” Smaller, slimmer bodies are frequently regarded as “good,” whilst bulkier ones are regarded as “bad.”
It can significantly impact self-esteem and confidence for those chasing their ideal and those who already have it with the pressure to keep it.
The first step to feeling at ease in your skin is not easy; all that matters is your health and happiness. There is nothing else.
Social Media – Body Image!
From dieting teas to “fat-burning” leggings, yo-yo dieting – fast fixes don’t work long-term. Things like intensive dieting and workouts cause long-term harm with significant health problems.
Reduce your emphasis on “needing” to get lean. There’s nothing wrong with getting fitter or reducing weight, but it must be done safely and for the correct reasons.
If lowering body weight is your primary aim, achieving long-term results will take time, commitment, and consistency. Any responsible trainer would tell you that dropping 0.5-1kg weekly is a healthy, long-term strategy.
Getting in shape
If you want to get fitter, lose weight, or live a healthier lifestyle, you must consider it a long-term process requiring time, commitment, and consistency.
Committing to meaningful lifestyle changes is critical, but even minor improvements can lead to significant progress. Setting long-term sustainable objectives is an excellent method to improve your relationship with your body without giving up everything you enjoy.
How to Change Your Goal
We frequently identify our worth and happiness with our appearance, but it is critical to think beyond its appearance. Goals that help your total health are significantly more fulfilling and accessible than goals purely on physical or aesthetic objectives.
Message for Parents
Unfortunately, we live in a world where such restricted attractiveness criteria exist. Most people who do not achieve these norms are dissatisfied with their bodies, which can hurt their mental health and self-esteem.
It can be tough to challenge these unattainable norms, but we must do so. We should all be able to enjoy ourselves at the beach without worrying about what others think.