Body image is how we think and feel about our bodies and how we believe others see us. The view we hold of our body image may affect our actions, feelings of happiness, and levels of overall well-being.
There are many factors that influence how we feel about our appearance including; our family environment, the media and social media, friendship groups and natural changes in the body.
As our bodies develop and change throughout life, so do our thoughts and feelings about it. It is common to have concerns and to feel worried about your body image, and a majority of us will experience this at some point in our lives.
However, if we start to view our body in a negative way then we may feel uncomfortable and unable to do certain things, such as going to a swimming pool or wear shorts. As negative body image develops, we may stop spending time with friends, spent time obsessively looking into a mirror and we may change our eating habits or exercise routines.
As body image is linked to self-esteem, if we do not like the way we look or are dissatisfied with our body, then this could impact on our mental and emotional health and cause symptoms such as anxiety or low mood (hyperlink).
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