It can hurt as much as if someone else said it. So be kind and respectful to yourself. Accept compliments. How Can I Like My Body? Every time you look in the mirror, find at least two things you like about yourself. Maybe your hair, face, or hands. What about your shape, shoulders, or legs? Your eyes or smile?

Make a habit of telling yourself what you like and why. If you get stuck, ask someone who cares about you, like a good friend or trusted adult.

Let yourself feel good. Focus on what your body can do. Your body is there for you when you stretch, reach, climb, or jump for joy.

It also allows you to you carry and build things, and give someone a hug. Be amazed and thankful. Be aware of your body. Pay attention to your body as you go through the day. Enjoy the way it feels when you walk, run, and play.

Listen to it when it needs food or rest. Things like yoga can help you observe your body more closely, teaching you to pay attention to how you breathe and move. How Can I Take Care of My Body? Start caring for yourself with these tips: Eat healthy foods. Learn what foods are good for you and how much is the right amount.

Take your time when you eat. Self-surveillance e. monitoring own appearance and attractiveness. Self-objectification e.

when people see themselves as objects to be viewed and evaluated based upon appearance. Aspirational social comparison e. comparing themselves, generally negatively, to others they wish to emulate.

Body avoidance e. avoiding situations where body image may cause anxiety such as swimming, socialising. Body image is ranked in the top three concerns for young people in Australia. People experiencing body dissatisfaction can become fixated on trying to change their body shape, which can lead to unhealthy practices such as with food, exercise or supplements.

Over time, these practices do not achieve desired results and often create a trap leading to intense feelings of disappointment, shame, guilt and, ultimately, increase the risk of developing an eating disorder.

Age: Body image is frequently shaped during late childhood and adolescence, but body dissatisfaction can occur in people of all ages. Gender: Women are more likely to experience body dissatisfaction than men, however people of all genders may experience negative body image.

Gender dysphoria: People with gender dysphoria are more likely to experience body dissatisfaction than people without gender dysphoria. Friends and family who diet and express body image concerns: Role models expressing body image concerns and modelling weight-loss behaviours can increase the likelihood of a person developing body dissatisfaction regardless of actual body type.

Body size: People with higher weight are at an increased risk of body dissatisfaction due to societal focus on weight. Longstanding research has documented the impact of viewing traditional appearance-focused media on the development of body image concerns.

In recent years, one of the common external contributors to body dissatisfaction is social media. These images promote an unrealistic appearance ideal that cannot be achieved in real life.

Research shows that social media use is associated with increased body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. Careful consideration of how you use social media and the people you engage with is important in building and maintaining a positive relationship with your body. There is no right or wrong when it comes to weight, shape, size and appearance.

Challenging beauty ideals and learning to accept your body shape is a crucial step towards positive body image. We have the power to change the way we see, feel and think about our bodies. Focus on your positive qualities, skills and talents , which can help you accept and appreciate your whole self.

Focus on appreciating and respecting what your body can do, which will help you to feel more positively about it. Set positive, health-focused goals rather than weight-related ones, which are more beneficial for your overall wellbeing.

Avoid comparing yourself to others , accept yourself as a whole and remember that everyone is unique. Unfollow or unfriend people on social media who trigger negative body image thoughts and feelings.

If you feel that you or someone in your life may be experiencing body image or eating concerns, seek professional help. Professional support can help guide you to change harmful beliefs and behaviours, and establish greater acceptance of your body. To find available help and support click here.

Download the body image fact sheet here. Eating disorders can occur in people of all ages and genders, across all socioeconomic groups, and from any cultural background.

The elements that contribute to the development of an eating disorder are complex, and involve a range of biological, psychological…. Disordered eating sits on a spectrum between normal eating and an eating disorder and may include symptoms and behaviours of eating…. What is weight stigma? Weight stigma is the discrimination towards people based on their body weight and size.

Historically, eating disorders have been conceptualised as illnesses of people of low body weight and typified by disorders such as…. Eating disorders are serious, complex mental illnesses accompanied by physical and mental health complications which may be severe and life….

Read more on NEDC - National Eating Disorders Collaboration website. Read more on ReachOut. com website. Although girls and women stereotypically experience body image issues, male body image issues are becoming increasingly common, and society is becoming increasingly aware of them.

Find out how to deal with these issues in a healthy way at ReachOut. People who have poor, or negative body image are more vulnerable to developing disordered eating and eating disorders. Read more on Butterfly Foundation website.

Body image is a feeling state created by numerous factors. One of the most empowering ways to support development of positive body image, is to show what a healthy body image looks like. Positive teen body image and healthy self-esteem go together.

Read more on raisingchildren. au website. Changes to body shape and size are a natural part of pregnancy and many women enjoy the physical aspect of carrying a baby in utero. For some people, this is a challenging time and can trigger or increase negative feelings or thoughts about body image.

Read more on Gidget Foundation Australia website. Body image is a key concern for young people. It's about how you see, think and feel about your body. Read more on Tune In Not Out website. It's important to teach kids to feel good about their bodies. If they have a positive body image, they'll have greater self-esteem and are more likely to have a healthy outlook on life.

Learn more here. Read more on Orygen website. Read more on Eating Disorders Victoria website. They can be caused by both medical conditions and trauma.

Medical conditions resulting in amputation are often those that restrict blood flow to extremities. Other causes include crush injuries, burns and frostbite.

Read more on Ausmed Education website. Many women present to their doctor reporting vaginal dryness and pain with intercourse around the time of the menopause transition. Read more on Australasian Menopause Society website. The term quality of life is multidimensional and highly subjective.

At a basic level, it describes the ability for an individual to be healthy, comfortable and participate in life events.

In healthcare, quality of life includes emotional, physical, material and social wellbeing.