Body image is a person’s inner conception of his or her own appearance. Teenagers today spend quite some time in front of a mirror to see if they have lost weight and have a good figure. Although one’s figure only plays an intermediate role in one’s life, some teens want to highlight the fact that they have their curves in place. Should this always be the case? Why should men also fall in to this category? The Daily Mirror Life spoke to some individuals regarding this matter.

Yohan

I have no clue as to why they concentrate more on their body image. For me I have no problem about the way I look.

Jeewani

They might even develop anorexic conditions under these circumstances. Men shouldn’t worry about their figure too much unless they are models.

Shan

If you have healthy meals and do regular exercises then why worry too much about the way you look.

Shamalka

I too have friends who spend hours in front of a mirror to check whether they have lost weight. They seem to be quite stressed when it comes to this issue.

Kasun

It’s a psychological condition although they don’t realise it.

Negative teenage body image: risk factors 

Some teens are more likely than others to feel unhappy about their bodies. They might be more at risk of developing an unhealthy body image if they:

· feel pressure from family, peers or media to fit into a narrow idea of beauty and attractiveness, or if family members or peers tease them about their appearance.

· have a different body shape or weight from many of their peers, or a body shape that’s obviously different from the `ideal’ shapes seen in the media.

· are perfectionists.

· look at themselves from the ‘outside’ and worry about how others see them, or if they compare themselves to others.

· have low self-esteem.

· experience symptoms of depression.

· belong to a subculture, such as a friendship, sport or dance group that emphasises a certain body type.

· have a physical disability.

Developing a healthy body image : how can you help? 

· Talking about body image : help by listening to your peers about their body image and its changes.

· Being a positive body role model : if you how that you feel positive about your own body, your peers too will start to think the same.

· Spotting the airbrush : avoiding perfectly looking ‘beautiful people’ on billboards and TV commercials since they have been digitally manipulated.

· Body image for young people with special needs : you can talk to them about the body image and say that it includes all types of bodies including ones that do not fit in the popular mould.

By Kamanthi Wickramasinghe
Photographs by Kushan Pathiraja