Our Unhealthy Relationship with Our Own Body

 

Although the issue of a negative body image and unhappiness in our own skin has always been a constant problem, over recent years, the emphasis on attaining the so called ‘perfect’ body has dramatically escalated. This has had disastrous effects on most members of society (not limited to purely women) resulting in a dramatic increase on eating disorders and low self esteem. Although it is unrealistic to envision a time when everybody is completely happy with their external appearance, the fact that we seem to be sinking under the pressure of appearing flawless needs to be addressed.

At this current state in time, the general public constantly are bombarded with images of beautiful stick thin models. This only serves to give the impression that this should be what we aspire to, discounting the fact that in reality these images have been so digitally enhanced that they no longer resemble anything near ‘normal’. But nevertheless, it is these computer generated images that have become the poster girls of the 20^th century, and indeed role models for many young and easily influenced people who take them at face value.

So taking this into account, are we really surprised that in general terms we feel inadequate in comparison? It’s no surprise that the average woman hates several parts of her body, if she doesn’t fit the mould of a size 6 with legs that seem never ending! Especially since the average woman in Britain is 5 foot 4 inches and a size 16. This leads to the very scary fact that most people would now consider having cosmetic surgery to try and eliminate these so called ‘imperfections’. Except in dire circumstances when surgery is the very last option and will ultimately help the person in question, I cannot help but think that the only people directly benefiting form this industry are the surgeons themselves, who receive a hefty paycheque at the end of the month. Surely the mentally of a quick (if expensive) solution only plants the idea that there is no need to live a healthy lifestyle to become fitter/slimmer/younger-looking, as the magic fingers of a surgeon assisted by a few scalpels does all the work for you. This is why most people who have had cosmetic surgery in the past would consider returning to the operating table to tackle the next flaw. No wonder the business is booming. A perfect body for a couple of thousand pounds… as long as you’re willing to take the risk of something going wrong and achieving that lovely ‘plastic look’.

The most damaging effect of this obsession with our looks is not just physical but considering aspects of our mental health. The fixation with our external appearance, fuelled by celebrity culture, embeds the idea that we cannot measure up and are not worthy. This lack of self worth swiftly shifts from how we look to other aspects our lives, which in comparison to all the models, rock stars, and actors that constantly grace our presence through the pages of magazines, seems dull and unexciting. In some emotionally strong and motivated characters this could spur them to do better and reach similar goals within their own lives, but generally speaking, it has the opposite effect of thinking that unless we look and act a certain way we will never be ‘cool’ or achieve our dreams.

At the end of the day a balance needs to be reached between what we would like to resemble, and what is in fact attainable at no cost to our health and mental well being. Thanks to programmes emerging over the past few months, a new awareness has been created about the dangers that accompany people trying to emulate what they perceive to be real representations of their idols. But in order for people to be truly happy with their own appearance and accept the skin they are in, a compromise needs to be reached. The best way to appear successful and confident is to be happy with what you have, and realise that not everyone is born form the same gene pool as the Kate Moss’s of this world. No matter how hard you try, unless you stop setting unrealistic goals and can accept yourself for what you are, you will never be truly happy. But will this notion ever catch on?

 Vicki Evans, England