Body Image Concern

Understanding Body Image Concerns

Body image plays a significant role in our overall well-being. It influences self-esteem, confidence, and mental health. While it’s natural to have some concerns about appearance, persistent dissatisfaction with body image can lead to emotional distress and unhealthy behaviours. In some cases, body image concerns may increase the risk of developing an eating disorder.

What Is Body Image?

Body image refers to how we perceive, think, and feel about our bodies. It is shaped by personal experiences, social influences, and cultural messages. A positive body image involves acceptance and appreciation of one’s body, whereas a negative body image often involves dissatisfaction, self-criticism, and distress.

How Body Image Concerns Develop

Several factors contribute to body image concerns, including:

Social and cultural influences – Unrealistic beauty standards in media and social media can create pressure to conform to a certain appearance

Peer and family influence – Comments from friends, family, or peers about weight, shape, or appearance can reinforce negative self-perceptions

Personality traits – Perfectionism, low self-esteem, and high sensitivity to appearance-related feedback can contribute to body image dissatisfaction

Dieting and weight control behaviours – Repeated dieting and body checking can reinforce preoccupation with appearance and weight

When Body Image Concerns Become a Risk Factor

Body image concerns exist on a spectrum, but when they become persistent and distressing, they can lead to unhelpful behaviours such as excessive dieting, compulsive exercise, or avoidance of social situations. Over time, these behaviours can contribute to the onset of an eating disorder.

A strong link exists between negative body image and conditions such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. While body dissatisfaction alone does not cause an eating disorder, it is considered a key risk factor.

Signs to Look Out For

If body image concerns begin to interfere with daily life, it may be a sign of deeper struggles. Some indicators include:

Preoccupation with weight, shape, or appearance
Frequent body checking or avoidance of mirrors
Extreme distress related to perceived flaws
Rigid food rules or compulsive exercise
Anxiety around social situations due to appearance concerns

How to Improve Body Image

Improving body image takes time and self-compassion. Some helpful strategies include:

Challenging unrealistic standards – Recognising that media portrayals are often altered or unrealistic can reduce pressure to conform
Focusing on body functionality – Shifting focus from appearance to what the body can do (such as strength, endurance, or creativity) can foster appreciation
Reducing body checking – Limiting time spent analysing appearance in mirrors or weighing oneself can help break negative thought patterns
Practising self-kindness – Speaking to oneself with the same kindness and respect offered to a friend can help reframe self-perception
Seeking professional support – If body image concerns are causing distress or affecting daily life, support from a Psychologist or Dietitian can help build a healthier relationship with body and food

Support at Mind Body Well

If body image concerns are impacting your well-being, professional support can make a difference. At Mind Body Well, our experienced team of Psychologists and Dietitians can provide guidance and strategies to help you develop a more balanced and supportive view of your body. Reach out to us to learn more

MEDICARE AND PRIVATE HEALTH CLAIMS FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPY

You may be eligible to claim rebates for Psychological Therapy if you have:

A referral and Mental Health Care Plan completed by your Doctor, or
Private Heath Insurance which includes Psychological Counselling as part of your extras cover.

Please note – we do not Bulk Bill. All sessions will incur an out of pocket fee, and full payment is to be made on the day of your session. If you are eligible for a Medicare or Private Health Insurance rebate, you will be provided with a claimable receipt which you can then use to make your claim (we don’t process the claims in-house).