This description will explore the effects of body image on mental health. It will discuss how negative body image can lead to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It will also look at how positive body image can lead to improved mental health and well-being.
Body image is a person's thoughts, feelings and perception of the aesthetics or sexual attractiveness of their own body. The concept of body image is used in several disciplines, including neuroscience, psychology, medicine, psychiatry, psychoanalysis, philosophy, cultural and feminist studies; the media also often uses the term. Across these disciplines, there is no single consensus definition, but broadly speaking, body image consists of the ways people view themselves; their memories, experiences, assumptions, and comparisons about their appearances; and their overall attitudes towards their respective appearances all of which are shaped by prevalent social and cultural ideals.