What kind of body do you see in the mirror?

When you look at yourself in the mirror, what do you think?

Do you generally like the way you look, or do you frown at your nose, your eyes, your too-small or too-large breasts, your round hips or your big butt?

A poor body image can cause you to obsess about everything you perceive is wrong with your body. It’s no secret that quite a few women have body image problems. We are bombarded with pictures of young, thin, tall models in the media. Fitness magazines show women on the covers with willowy figures and perfectly flat abs.

Body image is all about perception -- how you see yourself. Sure, media messages can affect our body image, but so can our own inner voice.

I long ago accepted my body and all of its good points and bad points. I have a bit of a pot belly. I’m not going to achieve those perfectly flat abs any time soon. I also have a bit more cellulite than I would like on my thighs.

But you know what I like? My arms and chest are well-toned and strong, much more so than they were a few years ago. My legs are strong, and my muscles are flexible. Underneath my perpetual layer of belly fat are some pretty strong ab muscles. I also practice yoga, and I am able to achieve some fairly advanced poses.

Overall, not bad. I work with what I’ve got.

I ran across a study in the American Journal of Public Health that found the difference between actual and desired body weight was a stronger predictor of mental and physical health than the body mass index (BMI). This study raises the possibility that some of the health effects of the obesity epidemic are related to the way we see our bodies.

A great women’s heath Web site says a poor body image can lead to emotional distress, low self-esteem, dieting, anxiety, depression and eating disorders. Developing a positive body image and a healthy mental attitude is crucial to a woman's happiness and wellness.

The site gives some healthy lifestyle tips that can help you improve your body image.

• Healthy eating can promote healthy skin and hair, along with strong bones.


• Regular exercise has been shown to boost self-esteem, self-image, and energy levels.


• Plenty of rest is key to stress management.

Although body image problems are more common among women, we can’t forget the other gender. Yes, men can have body image problems, too. This article says that males with body image disorders are showing up with increasing frequency in psychiatrists' offices, and more men are abusing steroids in an attempt to build muscle.

I don’t think this trend is good for either gender. We should be worried about being as healthy as we can be, both physically and mentally, and not trying to attain some impossible standard that the media promotes.

Sure, you do want to be at a healthy body weight. And sure, you want to wear flattering clothes and have a nice hairstyle. But it’s not until you accept the reality of your body – and I mean the good points as well as the bad points – that you will be truly carry yourself with confidence and pride.

What do you like about your body? What do you dislike? What can you change, and what do you have to simply accept?