The concept of a “perfect body image” is irrational and varies widely between individuals, indeed even cultures.
Sadly, in many societies, the “ideal” physical body and appearance are promoted by the media. This is often difficult, impossible even to achieve for most people. This results in stress, lack of confidence and low self-esteem, to name a few. Instead of nurturing our bodies as we should, the following are some of the tortures we put ourselves through:
- Restricting food intake through diets and often depriving our bodies of essential nutrition
- Fasting and missing meals, this is detrimental for our basic body functions
- Body modifications including plastic surgery, gastric bands.
- Using drugs or supplements to enhance physical appearance or restrict their appetite. This can be extremely dangerous.
- Excessive exercise to burn off calories. While this may burn off calories it does not undo the damage sugar and processed saturated fats do to your body and brain.
