Body image and diets

What is body image?

Your body image is how you think and feel about your body. Body image involves your thoughts, perceptions, imagination and emotions. People can experience a positive or negative body image and can be influenced by both the internal and external factors in our lives. Your body image does not necessarily reflect what you see in the mirror or what other people see. For example, a person may think and feel that their body is much larger or smaller than it is.

Body image issues affect people of all ages, genders and across all cultures. A negative body image can lead to dieting and disordered eating behaviours, and increases the risk for the development of an eating disorder. A positive body image is associated with better self-esteem, self-acceptance and healthy lifestyle behaviours, including a balanced approach to food and physical activity.

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/body-image-and-diets