Body Image Inquiry
The Body Image Inquiry was held by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on body image. YoungMinds' submission is in based on a discussion with members of our Very Important Kids group (VIK).
There are a number of factors that influence a young person’s body image, but the media and the fashion industry are key influencers. Young people are bombarded with pictures in the media and on the Internet, telling them what a ‘perfect’ body image should be. For instance, models are generally skinny and ‘perfect’. The message that this gives to young people is that you have to be skinny if you want to be successful, popular etc.
This is an issue for both males and females. It is well known that females have issues with body image, but there are also pressures on men as well to look a particular way. For instance, there are pressures put on men to be either a body builder, or a skinny rocker. Both of which are extreme body types.
Your body image is a reflection of your mental state, regardless of whether you eat too much or too little. Your body image isn’t static, but can change depending on your circumstances and the context.
Download file [Body Image Inquiry response]
