Health & Fitness - May 2005
'Do you think I’m sexy?' – The Body Image Debate
Love the skin you’re in? Over 50 per cent of us feel disgusted by our own bodies. But why, and can we change the way we feel? Jane Murphy presents the crucial arguments in today’s body image debate.
What do you see when you look in the mirror? Whether it’s a few extra inches around your stomach or a couple of grey hairs, chances are you’ll always focus on something you don’t like. And you’re not alone. Only two per cent of women would describe themselves as beautiful, and over 50 per cent say their bodies disgust them, according to recent research for Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty. What’s more, in the survey of 3.200 women from 10 countries across the world, it was the British who were least likely to feel comfortable with their body image…
“We live in celebrity obsessed-society, and many celebrities are unnaturally slim “, says Laura Williams from Future Perfect (www.fperfect.com ) “As human beings, we’re conditioned to want many of the trappings of stardom – such as wealth and adoration – so we’re naturally going to assume that there’s a link between physical appearance and success. As our interest in celebrities grows, so does our obsession with looks. Even professional athletes such as Paula Radcliffe and Denise Lewis attract a lot of comments about their appearance.”
…However, there are a number of encouraging signs that opinions and expectations are starting to change. Fitness professionals such as Williams specialise in prescribing realistic eating plans and exercise regimes that are tailored to individual body shape and lifestyle, rather than towards the ‘holy grail’ of a perfect body.
To book a session or to find out how Laura can help you get into shape, email her at laura@laurawilliamsonline.co.uk
Or call her on 07712 001525.