LOVE YOUR BODY

THE AVERAGE AUSSIE WOMAN WEIGHS 71KG AND IS A SIZE 14–16 – BUT MOST OF US WISH WE WERE SMALLER

Research published by the UNCSELF and Gender and Body Image studies show that 87 per cent of women prefer a body shape that’s smaller than their own, so the issue of body image dissatisfaction isn’t limited to youth. When we assume our bodies don’t conform to a social ideal, it can lead to lack of self-worth, mental-health issues and even eating disorders. Psychologist Tahnee Schulz, head of clinical at Lysn, an online psychologist service, says, “From the moment we are born, we are exposed to information that teaches us about who we are.” Schulz says that mirror neurons provide us with feedback about how someone responds to us when we smile and giggle, versus when we kick or push. “It’s this that influences our future behaviour and begins at around 2 to 3 years old,” she says. So from our toddler years we’re forming ideas about who we should be and what that means. As adolescents, add in a daily dose of social media paired with teenage angst, and you can see why so many women are growing up not knowing how to appreciate their perfect imperfections.

Chelsea Bonner’s new memoir, Body Image Warrior, (Murdoch Books, RRP $33) tells her story of what it felt like to grow up with a mother who was a model, and a dad who was a TV and movie star. Suffice to say, it affected her self-image, in both positive and negative ways – mainly the latter.

But despite her somewhat unique upbringing, Bonner’s struggle with body image is one many people can relate to. According to a 2011 Mission Australia Youth Survey, body dissatisfaction was the top ranked concern for young people. In 2018, the biggest concern was mental health and it’s easy to see how the two are linked.

BEHIND THE GLOSS

It’s perfectly acceptable to enjoy the glamour of watching the hair, makeup and gowns worn by Hollywood’s finest at the Oscars, but Bonner warns there are limits to what we see of celebrities. Comparing ourselves to an image of apparent perfection can add to feelings of worthlessness.

“Even celebrities don’t look like celebrities in real life,” says Bonner. “It takes a team of very talented hairdressers, makeup artists, stylists and managers to create the image of celebrity. Then add filters, expert lighting and photography, and sometimes plastic surgeons,

and that is the creation you are trying to emulate at home in your bathroom in an hour.”

It’s a perspective we can use to our advantage, but only if we know how.

For example, the rise of the curvaceous body, thanks to the likes of Kim Kardashian, has potentially broadened our idea of what denotes a beautiful physique. Curves, it seems, are in, and that’s a good thing, right?

“Everyone is different,” says Schulz. “For some, seeing variety is likely to demonstrate that many shapes and sizes are beautiful. This may encourage them to accept their body as it is.” However, the opposite is also true. “If following [people on social media] makes you feel like getting butt implants because you feel like you’re not curvy enough, that’s when it becomes a problem,” adds Bonner.

Perspective, therefore, is everything.

BOOST BODY CONFIDENCE

1 Engage in practices that help you understand your body and appreciate what it can do. Yoga, Pilates or the gym can remind you how 2 powerful your body is, at any age.

Surround yourself with positive people who 3 support you and reinforce a positive outlook. Focus on practicing self-love. Kindness, even when directed inwards, helps the body to release powerful stress-combating chemicals 4“that improve health and ageing, says Schulz. Follow people on Instagram who are realistic and honest,” Bonner says. If you or someone you know is struggling with body image or an eating disorder, contact the Butterfly Foundation on 1800 33 4673 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.