Body Image
Girls' body image is determined not only by their self-perceptions but also by the perceptions of others. And for most girls, good health has more to do with presenting a "normal" appearance and being accepted by their peers than maintaining a nutritious diet and being physically fit.
Statistics
• African Americans have different attitudes about weight, body size, and attractiveness than Caucasians, with overall less drive for thinness and greater acceptance of larger body proportions. (Psychiatry Journal)
• A majority of girls (59 percent) reported dissatisfaction with their body shape, and 66 percent expressed the desire to lose weight. (American Academy of Pediatrics)
• A mother’s weight, body image, attitude, and health habits are strong indicators of whether her daughter is overweight, satisfied with her body, and physically active. Girls look to their mothers for advice on healthy living. (Girl Scout Research Institute)
• Although about two-thirds (65%) correctly identify themselves as being either normal weight or overweight, one-third of all girls have a distorted idea about their weight. (Girl Scout Research Institute)
• A recent analysis of studies examining body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, and mass media found that participants with body dissatisfaction issues were more adversely affected by media stimuli using thin models than participants without body dissatisfaction issues. In addition, participants below college age were more adversely affected by the presentation of such media than participants aged 19 and older. (International Journal of Eating Disorders)
Related Web Sites
- About-Face Theatre Company (www.about-face.org)
- AdiosBarbie.com (www.adiosbarbie.com)
- ¡Soy Unica! ¡Soy Latina! (www.soyunica.gov)
