Social media can have an impact on your body image and relationship with food, due to increased exposure to thin and toned body types and particular diets.
Studies show that 88% of women compare themselves to images they observe on social media, with over half of them emphasising that the comparison is unfavourable. Studies also show that 65% of men compare themselves to images they observe on social media, with 37% of them indicating that the comparison is unfavourable. This is extremely problematic as this can lead to lower self-esteem, an unbalanced diet, deficiencies of vitamins and minerals and possibly eating disorders.
Body image is the perception you have of your physical self and the thoughts and emotions that result from this perception is known as body image. There are 4 important factors that can determine body image:
- Perceptual body image - how you perceive your body
- Affective body image - how you feel about your body
- Cognitive body image - how you think about you body image
- Behavioural body image - how you behave as a result of your body image
When social media users often share the best parts of their life with the world, we may begin to feel that we are not good enough, compared to the people we see on Instagram. Particular body types are prioritised as ideal body types and this may lead society to view these body times and specific eating behaviours as more attractive and healthier than other ones. These social norms may impact how you view your body because humans have a general need to gain approval from others and avoid their disapproval. As a result, might conform to the social norms related to appearance.
The effects of social media on your body image can lead to serious negative consequences for your psychological and physical wellbeing.
Eating disorders can lead us to isolate ourselves from our friends and families, because we may not feel understood. We may find ourselves spending more time on social media, and falling deeper into a cycle of negative comparison, guilt and low self-worth, and further eating disordered behaviour. There may also be negative consequences for your physical health. Cutting out food groups can also result in an unbalanced diet and deficiencies win key minerals and vitamins.
Malnutrition can cause our bodies to crave certain foods for energy. In addition to psychological symptoms, nutritional deficiencies can lead us to feeling exhausted, dizzy and unable to concentrate. In serious cases, malnutrition can cause us to develop fragile bones, hair loss and more.
To handle with that kind of problems, people have to do sport, eat healthy food, go to therapists in serious cases. But, also:
- Understanding underlying triggers, emotions and experiences that influence your body image
- Challenging negative thoughts you have about yourself and your body
- Learning how to experience your body without judgment and internalising social pressures
- Developing greater self-worth and healthy coping mechanisms to deal with challenging emotions
- Our mind and body are connected, and often the foods we eat influence our mood, and our mood influences our eating habits.
It is crucial to acknowledge that how you experience your body might not always reflect reality. A distorted perception of your own body can manifest as body image distortions, which might result in physical, mental health disorders. It is important to remember that the best thing is loving yourself the way you are. And life is not about how other people see you, it's the way you feel healthy and happy.
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