SubscribeBody Image
The obsessions, the issues, and the link between diet and body image. (115 posts)
Helping Kids Have a Healthy Attitude to Body Shape
I was saddened to read how girls as young as five start thinking of fat as undesirable and skinny as good (in the Times newspaper as part of response to a question sent in by a mother who was anxious that her three year old was developing a poor body image.)
» moreWhat is No Diet Day?
This is a guest post from Cari Corbet-Owen
May 6th may not be as big as May 11th - Mother's Day - but I predict it's a day that will grow in importance. May 6th is International No Diet Day. It's history? It was started 16 years ago in the dining room of Mary Evans, the British director for Diet Breakers.
While it might have had very modest beginnings - it's a day that is growing in significance and is now celebrated in countries in the Southern Hemisphere like Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. And in the Northern Hemisphere in England, Norway, Russia, Canada and of course the USA. Supporters wear a light blue ribbon.
» moreMagazines Harm Male Body Image
As it turns out, magazines show no sexual discrimination when it comes to damaging body image. Research suggests that younger men who read "Lad's Magazines" (Maxim, FHM, Stuff and Blender) may be psychologically harmed by images of perfect male physiques.
The Glamor Side of Thin Always Wins
There are two reasons for our obsession with thinness: 'health' or 'desirability'. Many will do anything to get thin for 'glamor's' sake, but under the guise of health.
It seems that we humans take extreme measures - that can be exceedingly unhealthy - in order to fit into the body beautiful culture.
» moreSexy Gym Ads: Clever or Sleazy?
Using sex to sell products and services is nothing new. In fact when it comes to the fitness industry, it is pretty common. But there seems to be a very thin line between progressive marketing and overt sexuality - with Equinox Fitness Clubs pushing the boundaries. In January, the high-end fitness center with 41 clubs launched their "Happily Ever" campaign - a $3-5 million promotion that features some very provocative ads.
Check out the print ads below:
» moreFrance to Punish Those Who Encourage Anorexia
A draft law in France is looking to punish "incitement to excessive thinness" in magazines, on websites and in other media.
While not seeking to target bona fide dieting, the law would punish any encouragement to make "people deprive themselves of food in order to get excessively thin", or that constituted an "open apology of anorexia".» more
Fatism More Widespread Than Racism
Under law - you cannot discriminate against anyone on the basis of color, race, creed, gender, age, and so on and so on...
There is one exception however - body weight.
New research shows that weight discrimination remains socially acceptable in today's culture.
» moreMiss Bimbo and the Decline of Body Image
I feel sorry for young girls.
I'm not trying to be patronizing or condescending - after all what would a man know about such things?
However the other day as I sat and watched music videos with my daughters we discussed how women were portrayed.
Our conclusions were not good.
» more
- Heather on Helping Kids Have a Healthy Attitude to Body Shape:
And in the end, despite some of the comments, this post is about our c...
- Sam on How To: Achieve Lasting Weight Loss:
I found a great blog article about keeping the weight from coming back...
- Mike H. on Nutritionism: What Is It and Why Is It Ruining Our Diet?:
Hi Quito,
I concur with your sentiments regarding the epiphany when r...
- claire on McDonald's Menu to Go on Diet in 2005:
umm guess what? salads (the one with chicken and ranch dressing?) - th...
- Mike H. on Why on Earth Should You Read Another Weight Loss Book?:
"There are plenty of books that will tell you what to eat and how much...
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