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Body image is how you see your body and your thoughts and feelings about it. This page describes some of the ways people in our community feel bad about their bodies. We talk about disabled bodies, eating disorders and other things that affect how we see ourselves. We explain how to love and accept your body. Please read with care if any of these topics makes you feel upset.
It can be hard to change the way you feel about your body. Don’t give up. We get proud by practising!
Everyone has things they like and don't like about their body.
No one is perfect, but we see “perfect bodies” in magazines, the news, TV shows, ads, and movies. Even worse, bodies that look different are often shown as ugly or embarrassing.
The truth is:
We don't hear this truth very often. It can have a big impact on our mental and physical health.
The more unhappy a person feels about their body, the more likely they are to:
Poor body image affects people of all ages, genders, sexualities, shapes and sizes. Young women, gender-diverse, and LGBTQIA+ people often feel bad about their bodies.
Disabled bodies are rarely shown on online and on TV. It makes it hard for people with disabilities to feel good about their bodies.
We might worry about our weight, shape, skin, hair, differences, and how the world sees us. It can cause problems like:
Other things that can make someone feel bad about their body include:
You can learn more on The Butterfly Foundation website (external link).
Body positivity is the idea that everyone deserves to feel good about their body. That means you:
Remember, the bodies you see online and on TV are often edited. They may have used makeup and lighting. In real life, most people don't look like models or actors.
We all look different—and that’s okay! It’s okay to:
Focus on what your body helps you to do. It lets you experience the world, hang out with friends, and do fun things. That is more important than what you look like or how much you weigh.
On social media, unfollow anyone who makes you feel bad about yourself. If seeing certain actors, models or influencers with their “perfect bodies” makes you feel like you aren’t good enough, unfollow them.
Follow all different kinds of people on social media. Include people who are:
Try affirmations. Affirmations are kind, positive things that you say about yourself. They can change the way you think and make you feel better. You could say:
Make a list of the things you like about your body. It doesn’t have to be about how you look. It can also include things you can do with your body, like singing, dancing, writing, cooking, making art or having orgasms.
Do things that make you feel good. Spend time doing hobbies you enjoy. Hang out with friends. Learn to look after yourself, the way you would look after a friend.
Seek help. Talk to a GP or counsellor if you continue to feel bad or if you think you have an eating disorder. Learn about the different types of counselling on the Neve page Counselling and therapy (internal link). You can also join support groups and online forums.
Do the mirror love activity. You can learn about it on the website Our Site (external link). Our Site is made by the same people who made this website, Neve.
You are not alone. There is always hope. Remember: we judge ourselves harder than we judge anyone else. Be kind to yourself. You are more than what you look like. We can spend our whole lives punishing ourselves for not looking like people on TV — but being ourselves is the best thing we can do.
The Butterfly Foundation website (external link) has support for eating disorders and body image issues. You can get information and advice, find professional help, and talk to a counsellor now by calling 1800 33 4673.
You can also find help in the Neve section on Support (internal link).
This section explores topics to do with you and your body. We talk about consent and pleasure, the stages of life we experience and the relationships we have with ourselves and others.
Find out moreThe most important relationship you have is with yourself. It's true! Learning to love yourself and treat yourself with care and respect is the most important thing you will ever do. Here, we share ways to recognise your worth. We give tips for being kind to yourself. We celebrate the marvel that is you.
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