Its summer and most of us want to get into shape. Even I have to admit that the thought of me losing some weight is very appealing. I would love to feel comfortable walking the decks of a swimming pool in a swim suit. A vast majority of females share that same feeling. But is it worth risking your health and self-image?
The female body image has changed multiple times throughout time. During the Victorian era, prior to the 1900s, a more voluptuous and meaty woman was preferred. Corsets were worn to give the look of a small waist but a very large bottom and bust line was in fashion. I would have fit right in!
Between the 1900s and the 1950 slimness came into play and the term “ideal weight” was coined. By the 1920s women would bind their breast to achieve a “wash board” appearance. The flapper look was in.
Then the 1950s came along with party times and Ms. Marilyn Monroe! She was about a size 14 with a very large bust line. Body fat was in because it was a sign of indulgence and pleasure. Women would flaunt the very breast that they use to bind.
“By the 1960s, slenderness became the most important indicator of physical attractiveness following the arrival of model Twiggy. She weighed in at a shapeless six and a half stones, and had the figure of a prepubescent boy.” Reported thesite.org.
Unfortunately this “Twiggy” body image is the one that is in play to this day. Dr. Susan S. Bartell wrote at focusas.com, “Unbelievably, most models are thinner than 98% of American girls and women.
A study of nearly 50,000 teenage girls revealed that a majority listed appearance as their biggest concern (Exeter University, U.K., 1998). Another study (Fat Talk, Harvard University Press, 2000) indicated that 90% of teenage girls frequently think about their body shape. Add to that, pressure from friends, boys and parents, and it’s understandable that this study found that 86% of teenage girls are, or think they should be dieting. And it’s no surprise that 5-10 million girls in the U.S. have eating disorders.”
As much as you may want to lose weight, an eating disorder is a high price to pay. There are many healthy ways to achieve your goal and to avoid that dangerous trap. Dr. Bartell lists a few things that you can do to help yourself and if you have a daughter, her as well:
If your daughter hears you complain about the way you look, she will feel that it’s appropriate to dislike her own body as well, particularly if there is really nothing objectively wrong with your body. If you do need to lose (or gain) weight, mention it in terms of your and your doctor’s concerns for your health, rather than focusing on the social aspects of being “thin” or “fat”.
The only way a teenage girl should achieve a healthy weight is by eating in a well-balanced, moderate and healthful manner. If you model drastic weight fluctuations and extreme diet your daughter will try this too. As you undoubtedly agree, a growing adolescent will not benefit nutritionally or emotionally from this type of weight management. So practice what you preach.
For some people, exercising is probably one of the toughest things for anyone to stick with, and for others it is difficult not to overdo it. But, healthy, moderate exercise is one of the most important assurances for a lifetime of physical health. And when children observe regular exercising habits by their parents it is probably the best way to ensure that they will have a lifetime of physical fitness and activity. It’s a gift you can give your daughter. Furthermore, you can’t tell your daughter to turn off the TV and get moving, if you don’t do it yourself! Isn’t that great motivation for you?
During adolescence there is a normal and usually subtle competitive feeling that daughters have toward their mothers. If a teenager is thinner or heavier than her mother, this competitiveness may become more obvious to both mother and daughter. Girls may compare their weight to their mother’s either favorably or unfavorably. If your daughter sees you weighing yourself, and especially if she knows how much you weigh, she will have an actual number with which to compare her weight. This competition is unnecessary and can be emotionally unhealthy for a teenager struggling with body image or weight issues. Although they may not realize it, some mothers also have to resist the urge to compare themselves to their daughters. It is important to become aware of competitiveness you may feel toward your teenager.
Some mothers are comfortable with their daughters viewing their nude bodies, and some are very uncomfortable. Although this is, of course, a matter of personal preference, it can be helpful for your daughter to see you nude or wearing only underwear. By not hiding your body from her, you send the message that you are not ashamed about your body, and that she doesn’t have to be ashamed about hers. You also send a non-verbal message that you will be open to intimate discussions of any nature, without feeling embarrassed. On the other hand, you should not force your daughter to reveal her body. Due to the physical changes they are experiencing, teens are often very discreet about their bodies and should not be forced to make themselves vulnerable in this manner.
Not all of us were made the same. Therefore not all of us can fit into this ridiculous and unhealthy body image. In fact, only 2% of women can achieve this skinny look naturally. That does not leave much room for the majority. So why risk your life trying to reach a goal that has a 98% failure rate?
For more information visit:
http://www.thesite.org/healthandwellbeing/mentalhealth/bodyimageandselfesteem/bodyimagetimeline
http://www.d.umn.edu/~jvaleri/dissatisfaction with bodies.htm
http://www.focusas.com/BodyImage.html
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