Body Image
The world today is full of messages and images about body image. Theimages and messages are directed towards both men and woman; however, womenare the brunt of most advertising campaigns for body products, diet aids,and fashion. These ideas of body image affect woman of all ages, and canhave detrimental affects on the mental and physical health of woman. Many women in today's society incorrectly believe they areoverweight, and this trend has continued to increase over recent years. Astudy conducted by Glamour magazine in 1984 showed that 75% of the femalerespondents believed they were "too fat" (Dittrich, 2003). A study in 1997found that 89% of the female respondents wanted to lose weight (Dittrich,2003). This equates to an estimated increase of 1% per year of females whobelieve they need to lose weight, which is abnormally high. Adult woman are not the only ones affected. A study of 500 ten yearolds showed that 81% of the girls stated they had dieted at least once(Dittrich, 2003). Still another study showed 40% of 2,379 girls between 9and 10 years old were trying to lose weight (Dittrich, 2003). The WallStreet Journal reported that more than half the girls in fourth grade in
In addition, all woman need to be taught the truth about advertisingand images in magazines. Often, the dieting is not healthy eating, but ratherjust a reduction of food intake. Peer pressure, advertising, and socialstandards of thin body types can all lead to problems in today's woman. Finally, it is important to know the signs of eating disorders anddepression. Zit is important to catchthese behaviors early, and counseling is usually required in order for thepatient to fully heal (CHHS, "Eating Disorders", 2003). Until society is ready to acceptwoman of all sizes and types as beautiful, these issues will continue to bea problem. Thus, when impressionable girls attempt to mimic this"natural" look, they are misinformed, and are often disappointed with theresults. Between 25% and 50%of women report that smoking is a way to control weight (Dittrich, 2003). the four Chicago schools surveyed were dieting, and over half felt theywere overweight (Dittrich, 2003). With such vivid images that thinness means a betterlife, it is not surprising that many women attempt to make changes to theirbodies. In today's society, theidea that thinness is beauty has become the norm (Dittrich, 2003). It hascome to represent all areas of success, from economic status, to self-control, to kindness. While the media is not solely to blame for body image disorders, itis a part of a larger picture. In 1995, for the firsttime, smoking rates for girls passed those for boys.
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