Body self-criticism

What does it mean to be physically and sexually attractive? Different cultures and different centuries have their own definitions but nevertheless, the impact of society is undoubtful. Women are put under constant pressure to confront the natural instinct for maintaining a biologically healthy body with the existing trend of slenderness and thinness. These societal expectations impel women to meet unhealthy and unrealistic standards, which are furthermore intensified by body self-criticism when not obtained.

Body image dissatisfaction doesn’t have BMI and can occur regardless of actual body size. Many women, despite having normal BMI status, still would like to lose weight. There is pressure that women put on themselves to meet the social requirements of ideal body standards. It is not the actual size but the subjective evaluation of own body size that is affecting body satisfaction. If you don’t learn how to accept yourself the way you are, body weight change might not resolve your struggles.

Recently, the Women and Equalities Committee in UK has conducted a survey on body image. The study included over 7,900 participants and highlighted the constantly high level of body image dissatisfaction among men (53%) and especially women (62%). During the time of lockdown, the pressure of being afraid of putting on weight and to improve one’s appearance, have impelled a relevant number of individuals (53%) to feel even worse about own body. These negative attitudes towards own body were shown to impact overall well-being by evoking feelings of shame, anxiety and depression by putting people under constant pressure to match the ideals presented in social media and to compare unfavourably to others.