Your body image is how you perceive, think and feel about your body. This can include your body size, weight, shape or your appearance more generally.
We often worry about the way we look and compare ourselves with a narrow view of how we should look from many different influences, including family, peers, media and social pressures.
It is important to look around us – at our family, friends and community. The normal reality is that we come in different shapes, sizes and abilities. A positive body image can improve self-esteem, self-acceptance, healthy interpersonal relationship with others, and a healthy relationship with food and physical activity.
Further reading
Butterfly Foundation – Health not weight
Butterfly Foundation – Can body image issues be serious
A photo gallery display of the natural diversity of women’s genitals.
The Guardian – Women and ageing: ‘I’ve developed the courage to live my own truth’ – picture essay
