Teen Body Image a Serious Concern

Article by Jen Oswald, MS. Wellness Coach & Program Coordinator, Adventure 212, LLC.

Jen Oswald, MS. Wellness Coach & Program Coordinator

Issues with body image frequently occur within the teenage population. The truth is, however, that body image can be an issue for all ages, fitness levels and for both genders.  Everyone from the occasional exerciser to elite athletes can develop unhealthy perceptions of their bodies, which can lead to unrealistic goal setting and even eating disorders and depression. In a nutshell, body image is how you envision yourself and what you see when you look in the mirror. Body image is affected by a number of things, including how you feel about your height, weight and body shape, as well as memories and events from your childhood. The images we see on a daily basis also impact how we view ourselves. However, body image is not just about what you see.  It also encompasses how you feel in your body.  Women are much more likely to have body image issues, but men can develop them as well.

Healthy body image is a vital component to overall emotional wellness.  Appreciation for your body, flaws and all, will lead to an overall sense of confidence and well-being.  Those who feel proud and accepting of their bodies are more likely to take part in physical activities, inevitably improving overall health.  Also, those who respect and appreciate their bodies are more likely to make healthy food choices and are less likely to have substance abuse issues.  Individuals with a positive body image understand that a person’s physical appearance is not related to their character or value as a person.  A good tip for improving your body image is to focus on what your body is capable of, rather than how it looks in the mirror.  Spend time daily recognizing what your body does for you. You don’t have to be able to run marathons to be appreciative of all your body does. In fact, ask a marathon runner how they feel about their body and chances are they have at least one quality they wish they could change.  It is important to remember that no matter what your circumstances, the standards you set for yourself should be your own, and not those set by magazines, television or your neighbor.

The media is a huge influence on the perception of what is beautiful and what is considered healthy. Unfortunately, the images used in the media are unrealistic and for the most part, unattainable. According to the Social Issues Research Centre, the body type portrayed in advertising as the ideal is possessed naturally by less than 5% of females. The average weight of a typical model used in advertising is 23% less than the average American woman.  Take into account that the average U.S. citizen is exposed to approximately 5,000 advertising messages per day and it’s no wonder there is so much confusion surrounding what is healthy.  Teenagers are especially susceptible to the media. Adolescence is a critical time period for the development of identity. Combined with the drastic physical changes that are happening in their bodies, it is easy for teens to over-identify with the images they see in the media and strive, at all costs, to reach those standards.

Research tells us that 80% of women say that the images of women on television and in movies, fashion magazines, and advertising make them feel insecure. This trickles down to our youth as well. 42% of girls in first through third grades want to be thinner and 81% of 10 year olds report that they are afraid of being fat (statistics taken from www.findyourtruebeauty.com). Kids are targeted at an early age with hype and messages from the media. They are bombarded by voices and images telling them what they should and should not look like. It’s time that we become one of those voices!

If you know and love an adolescent girl, between the ages of 7 and 13, now is the time! You can make a difference by speaking positivity into her life and by being a healthy role model. Take initiative in getting her involved in programs and sports that enhance her self-esteem.  Help her to foster healthy relationships with other girls and teach her to build on her strengths.

This summer, Adventure 212 is hosting Be Yourself University, a program developed for adolescent girls to explore their strengths, build leadership and teamwork skills, explore areas of interest and just celebrate what it means to be a girl. Classes are held every Wednesday afternoon, with a different topic each week. Girls that attend at least 5 days are eligible to graduate and attend a catered party in their honor in August. Check it out! Your tween won’t want to miss it!

Contact Jen Oswald at joswald@adventure212.com or 715-343-0212, or visit www.adventure212.com for more details!