It is important to remember that every body is different. We all have different genetics. If everyone ate the same thing and did the same amount of exercise, we would not all look the same. Your genetics influence your facial features, body shape, height, and weight.

Your ideal body weight is the weight that allows you to feel strong and energetic and lets you lead a healthy, normal life. For example, when your body is healthy, you have the energy to spend time with your friends, participate in sports and concentrate on school or work. Don't rely on charts, formulas or tables to dictate what' right for you. Instead, eat balanced meals full of nutritious foods and enjoy regular, moderate exercise.

Myths about Body Image
Challenging myths about body size and attractiveness is one way to overcome negative feelings about how you look. Think about other myths that you can add to the list below:

• Fat people are lazy and have no self-control
• Women's bodies should always be smooth and hairless
• Fat people eat too much
• Only tall, thin women are attractive
• Thin people have a positive self-image.

Factors that Affect Body Image
Your body image is constantly changing and developing through your interactions with people and the world around you. Your body image can be affected by:

• Being harassed
• Feeling depressed or anxious
• Experiencing physical, emotional or sexual violence
• Judgments and comments from others
• Changes in our bodies during puberty and pregnancy
• Having a disability
• Experiences with discrimination and prejudice
• Images and messages about what is considered beautiful (being thin, wearing a lot of make-up).

History of Body Image

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