Healthy Body Image on The Person's Value

The Influence of Propaganda on Body Image

There is a significant amount of propaganda nowadays promoting skinny bodies, weight loss, and the notion that being thin is attractive. However, if you consider the origins of this narrative, it becomes evident that it's not entirely truthful. Various media outlets, after conducting thorough research, have identified this as a substantial propaganda campaign. This propaganda alters the perceptions of millions of individuals, influencing their self-image and lifestyle choices.

Depression and Its Impact on Weight

One primary reason people experience weight fluctuations is depression. Depression can lead to type two diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Foods high in sugar and fat can provide temporary relief, creating a cycle where the "good feeling" makes you want to consume more, similar to a drug that soothes yet ultimately makes you feel worse about yourself. This cycle contributes to weight gain, and for many individuals who fall into depression, it becomes challenging to stop consuming unhealthy products. Conversely, depression can also result in weight loss as it diminishes interest in previously pleasurable activities, leading to eating disorders. Individuals with anorexia nervosa are more prone to depression compared to those without the disorder.

Antidepressants, while helping manage depression, often have the side effect of weight gain. Doctors recommend combating this by engaging in daily walks, which help maintain blood pressure and burn extra calories. Being outdoors also provides a calming effect as it diverts your attention to your surroundings, temporarily alleviating personal problems contributing to depression.

Propaganda and the Ideal Body Image

In the United States, "Propaganda" is another significant factor causing issues such as anorexia and the pursuit of a singular body type. Many modeling agencies define an ideal female body as 5’8" to 6’0" in height and weighing between 90 to 120 pounds. For men, the ideal is 5’9" to 6’2" with a weight between 120 to 170 pounds. This standard results in individuals in advertisements appearing extremely thin, often to the point where their bones are visible. In contrast, the average American man's weight is 195.7 pounds with a height of 5’9", and for women, it's 168.5 pounds at 5’4". Meeting these unrealistic standards leads many to unhealthy practices such as starvation and dehydration, particularly among athletes, negatively impacting their health.

The Rise of Plastic Surgery

The prevalence of plastic surgery has surged by approximately 775% in America over the past decade. Many individuals undergo surgeries to enhance their appearance, despite the risks involved. Potential health issues include hematoma, nerve damage, infection, scarring, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, dissatisfaction with results, organ damage, anesthesia complications, seroma, and significant blood loss. Nonetheless, people are willing to endure these risks to conform to societal beauty standards, reflect group membership, or convey social status.

The Role of Social Media and Self-Esteem

Social media significantly influences self-esteem, with platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat allowing individuals to share thoughts, images, and communicate with others. The anonymity provided by these platforms can lead to cyberbullying, with individuals criticizing others freely. This environment fosters negative self-perception and low self-esteem. Men, in particular, may experience low self-esteem due to societal expectations of dominance and control. When they feel a lack of control, it often results in self-deprecating behavior and diminished self-worth.

Building a Healthy Body Image

To determine if you possess a healthy body image, consider viewing yourself holistically and appreciating the uniqueness of your body. Avoid judging others based on appearance, as it holds no bearing on character or personal value. Comfort and confidence in one's body, without undue concern about food intake or calorie counting, are indicators of a positive body image.

Historically, the focus on self-esteem in America began around the 1970s, influenced by parenting practices aimed at preparing children for social situations such as school and weddings. This focus, however, has sometimes led to an overemphasis on appearance and self-worth.