But what exactly is ‘body image’?

When we asked young people in Canberra what ‘body image’ meant they came up with words like:

  • Fat/skinny
  • Ugly/Beautiful
  • Self-esteem
  • Sex
  • Muscles
  • Style & latest fashion
  • Embarrassment
  • Bullies
  • Peer pressure
  • Peer influence
  • Family influence
  • Weight, Exercise, Steroids
  • Plastic Surgery
  • Tight fitting clothes, Bulimia
  • Anorexia
  • Skin Colour
  • Wrinkly
  • Piercings
  • Fake
  • Stereotypes
  • Inferiority
  • Toned body
  • Curves
  • Movies
  • Surf bodies
  • Acne
  • Cellulite
  • Shame
  • Guilt
  • Expectations
  • Shallow
  • Dieting
  • Exploitation
  • Tattoos

 

Their responses tell us just how complex an issue ‘Body Image’ is. It’s not just physical, but psychological and emotional. Good mental health and wellbeing comes in all shapes and sizes, not just a size 8 or a well-developed six-pack.

Media Check invites you to be pro-active and get creative. Be critical of slick marketing. Get real and challenge the ‘ideal’! Check out the Media Check brochure (click) and guidelines and send us your artwork. We look forward to hearing from you!