Body image throughout the lifespan

Abstract

Due to the public health concerns associated with eating disorders and obesity, increasingly more attention is being paid to body image and body image difficulties. Body dissatisfaction, which is ubiquitous among girls and women, can be characterized as the difference between one's perceived body size and one's vision of the ideal body, particularly with regard to the desire to be thin. Body dissatisfaction has become so commonplace that it has been described as "normative discontent." It is also considered one of the most robust risk and maintenance factors for clinical eating disorders. A wide range of risk factors contribute to the development of body dissatisfaction, including biological and physical factors, individual characteristics, and sociocultural influences. In addition, females who place a strong emphasis on thinness and physical appearance and routinely engage in body comparison are particularly vulnerable to experiencing body dissatisfaction. Body image problems and disordered eating behaviors know no boundaries; they impact females across age groups, ethnicities, cultures, socioeconomic levels, and social identities. Therefore, it is essential for health professionals to understand body image and risk factors for the development of body dissatisfaction. They should also be knowledgeable about body image assessment techniques and evidence-based interventions aimed at promoting positive body image. Armed with this insight, health professionals will be in position to foster positive body image and enhance wellness and quality of life among females throughout the lifespan.