Body image report - Executive Summary
New data on the extent of body image concerns across the UK, how body image impacts mental health, plus practical steps we can take as a nation, all wrapped up in this easy to read summary of the research.
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Body image report: Introduction
What exactly is body image? How comfortable are we in our bodies? We begin to unravel the complex and very personal experience of body image.
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Body image in childhood
With new, unprecedented pressures facing this generation, we unpack how social media, family and friends can all play a role in how children think and feel about their bodies.
Body image in adulthood
Advertising, relationships, the workplace and changes during pregnancy can continue to affect the way we see ourselves as adults.
Body image in later life
Body image concerns are not exclusive to young people. A lifetime of experiences as well as ageing, retirement and loss can all contribute to our body image in later life.
Body image and long-term health conditions
Physical health conditions such as cancer and chronic pain can all change the way we relate to our bodies as well as living with mental health problems, learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorder.
Body image and ethnic background
We look at how body image can vary across different ethnic backgrounds, cultural influences on body satisfaction, and the limitations of body image research in this area.
Body image, sexual orientation and gender identity
We explore how body image differs across the LGBT community and highlight the impacts of stigma and discrimination.
How can we protect, promote, and maintain body image?
Everyone has a right to feel comfortable and confident in their own skin, We cover the ways we can all take action to foster a more inclusive and accepting environment.
Implications and recommendations for policy and action
We set out our priorities for regulation, policy and practice. This includes calling for diversity in media, training for healthcare professionals, compassionate and timely support for those in distress and better education and media literacy in schools.
Individual actions - tips to improve body image
Actions we can take to improve how we feel about our bodies and help us to protect, promote and maintain a positive body image throughout our lives.
Body image and mental health
Body image issues can affect all of us at any age and directly affect our mental health. However, there is still a lack of much-needed research and understanding around this.
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