Body Image
The obsessions, the issues, and the link between diet and body image. (132 posts)
Movie Review: Bigger, Stronger, Faster

I know, I know, the movie has been out for a year now, but Food Inc. strangely haven't opened here yet, and I'm in the mood for a movie review!
I'll never forget being an anxious 12 year old watching the '88 Olympics - the marquee event - the 100 meter dash. I cheered loudly as Ben Johnson blazed to a new world record. I also remember the shear disappointment of what ensued.
» moreHow Do Those TV People Get So Freaking Skinny?

Flickr: Aaronescobar
A recent post on our Share forums:
"i'm 17 years old. i'm very cute and everything. but just too fat.
you ever wonder how those people in the t.v get so freaking skinny.
i need help.
and a LOT of it."
» more
Fashion Writer: Malnourished Women Are Out...
Is there a change in the air? From UK's The Times:
Malnourished women aren't interesting any more. They're depressing. And the six-pack, once evidence of having luxurious amounts of time and money to devote to self-sculpture, now looks like a feeble attempt at control in an uncertain world. Even worse, it implies a desperately high level of self-involvement. Fat people, meanwhile, look better every day. Why? Because they look carefree. So heave a sigh of relief and let your gut out.» more
Conquering Emotional Eating: Lessons from Monica Seles

Monica Seles is without a doubt one of the best female tennis players of all time. Known for her relentless power and loud, multi-syllable grunts, Seles vaulted to the top ranked spot in women's tennis at the tender age of 17.
Even the casual sports fan knows how this story unfolds. A bizarre stabbing attack by a deranged fan would indelibly de-rail Seles' playing career and worse still, her emotional stability. The stabbing incident - compounded by the death of her father to cancer would spark an addiction to food.
Here are some quotes from Monica's story in an ESPN interview on how she kicked emotional eating. Seles has written a book on her experiences called "Getting a Grip".
» moreFeel Good in Your Swimsuit This Summer

If you live in one of the northern states, like me, then you've probably noticed two things: The sun -- which hasn't been around for about six months. And the swimsuits, which have been popping up at local stores since January. Believe me, trying on swimsuits under a bright fluorescent light after a long winter buried under heavy sweaters makes it impossible to deny that Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's didn't really happen.
But as painful as swimsuit shopping is, it's a necessary part of enjoying summer fun. Forget those fashion magazines with Photoshopped beauties on the cover ... bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and if we all waited until we looked like supermodels to hit the beach or pool, no one would ever go. Instead, try one of these tips to feel good in your swimsuit this summer, no matter how fit you are.
More Male Athletes Getting Body Image Disorders

Flickr: mrflip
I doubt it. But according to a new report, body image problems and eating disorders are actually on the raise in male athletes and fitness addicts.
And here's the ironic part. Experts believe these issues first pop up after a guy loses a few pounds and sees how much better he performs physically.
Skinny Models Are a Turn-Off to Consumers
Research from the University of Queensland shows that ads featuring average-sized models are every bit as effective at selling as those with thin models.
Also "women who saw the size 14 models felt significantly better about their own bodies in comparison to those who saw the thinner models."
» moreMen: Do You Really Want Big Muscles?
There is a common thread in many male transformation stories. A guy starts off overweight - he eats poorly and is sedentary. Then he discovers how to eat right, how to lift weights, and before you know it - new words like cardio, metabolism, and HIIT become part of the standard vernacular.
At some point along the journey - fat loss turned into bodybuilding. Is this the answer for every man?
» more
