It’s very common to worry about your weight or how you look. There are lots of reasons why people feel they need to change their bodies. The media often suggests that to be attractive or healthy, we have to look a certain way. When we believe these messages, it can make us feel like we aren’t good enough as we are.
This blog is here to challenge those messages and help us all nurture our bodies exactly as they are.
How much should you weigh?
Health professionals sometimes use weight ranges as a guide for the ‘average’ person. However, these don’t account for how different we all are. Things like your age, gender, ethnicity, and any physical conditions change what a ‘normal’ weight looks like. Because everyone is an individual, that range is different for everyone.
As a child or young person, you are still growing. Your body is changing all the time. Your weight, size, and shape will continue to fluctuate well into adulthood. During these years of growth, weight isn’t a reliable way to measure health. Instead of worrying about numbers on a scale, try to focus on ways to nurture your body.
Body image
Body image is how we see ourselves and how we feel in our own skin. Sometimes, people struggle with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), also known as body dysmorphia. This is when we see our bodies in a negative or distorted way, exaggerating things we don’t like.
Some people think that if they change the way they look, they will be happy, but this isn’t a realistic outcome. Happiness and wellbeing come from within, by looking after our bodies and our minds.
It’s okay if negative thoughts and feelings come up. We can’t expect to be happy and positive all the time. Kindness towards ourselves in these moments goes a long way!
Things to avoid
It’s easy to get carried away in trends that promise quick weight loss. The internet is full of claims that you can change the way you look by following the latest diet fad, fitness regime, or using pills, weight loss injections or supplements. They can be very expensive.
Many of these methods promote restrictive or extreme methods that carry health risks and are not backed by science. Even those that do work for some people often offer only temporary results, meaning people gain the weight back as quickly as they lost it.
If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Avoid any diet advice or medication that doesn’t come from a doctor, a professional nutritionist, or a dietician. If you’re ever in doubt, talk to your GP first. It’s also a good idea to mute or unfollow any social media accounts that make you feel bad about your body.
Ways to look after your body and your mind
Looking after your body and mind is all about balance. When things are out of sync, it affects how we feel physically and mentally. There is a lot of advice on how to look after your body and mind on the NHS website. This includes:
- Eating a variety of nutritious foods
- Drinking enough water
- Managing stress
- Getting enough sleep
- Finding ways to move your body that you actually enjoy
If you feel overwhelmed about what to do or where to start, focus on introducing one small habit that feels achievable and sustainable. You can find advice on things to try on these websites:
Remember that how you feel matters more than how you look. You only have one body so give it the love it deserves and it will support you long into the future.
Need more support?
Meic is here to help. You can contact us for free information, advice and advocacy. We can help you find local services or just be there to listen.
For specialist support on eating disorders or body dysmorphia, visit the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation’s or the Beat Eating Disorders websites.
