Society's emphasis on body image -- Radio Smart Talk, Monday, June 15

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Society's emphasis on body image -- Radio Smart Talk, Monday, June 15

Friday, 12 June 2009 10:11

From the shows and ads on TV, to the models in newspapers and magazines, to storefront windows, to...well...anywhere you look - images bombard us that tell us what we're supposed to look like. And many of those images are not only utterly unrealistic, they can do great harm - to adolescents especially - who grow concerned about their body image. Vanity also has led to a booming cosmetic surgery industry. But where's the line between reasonable, appropriate efforts to look one's best, and unreasonable, unrealistic efforts to reach some sort of ideal? And what does it say about us that we feel so compelled to always look "better?"

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Guests:

Dr. Pauline Wallin
Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Robyn Silverman, Child and Adolescent Development Specialist, writes Kiss My Assets - The Body Image Resource Blog

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written by G Stryker , June 15, 2009, 10:53:02 AM

I played football in college and have always been told that I am obese – even though I had less than 15% body fat. Do the medical definitions of being overweight/obese need to be updated? And how they do not address the individual patient?

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written by Nicole , June 15, 2009, 10:59:22 AM

There are resources out there to make woman and men of all ages feel good about themselves. There is a photography studio in lancaster PA that focuses on making people feel good about themselves just as they are. There whole business is based on positive body image.

http://www.positiveimagestudio.com/

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written by Dr. Robyn Silverman , June 15, 2009, 05:51:33 PM

It was a pleasure to be on the show this morning. I summed up a few of the notes on my blog today but I encourage everyone to listen to the podcast! http://tinyurl.com/ndufr6

You are picking up on a common complaint, Mr. Stryker. But understand that the BMI guidelines are simply guidelines providing a range. There is no way that they can fit for everyone-- and yes, it is strange that certain people will be viewed as medically obese on the BMI scales when they may not be. The BMI scales are just one way that the medical world can assess if there is a risk-- other measures are just as important; sugar, stress tests, eating habits, exercise habits, etc.

On another note, I want to point out that there have been a few articles in the news lately that show that even Vogue knows that models are getting too thin. The links are in today's article.

Again, it was a pleasure.

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written by Beth R , July 08, 2009, 10:23:50 PM

I think only just touched the surface on this topic and how forms of disordered eating/body image issues are socially acceptable today, which is very unfortunate. I don't know how many times I hear coworkers or friends who are of a healthy weight complain about something they ate, not working out, or how they need to lose 5 lbs. Obvious eating disorders you discussed are taboo, but I really think we need to address the expanded definition of what is really "disordered eating," and 99% of society would fall into this category. In addition, disordered eating has become more prevalent not only in adolescents, but grown adults who feel extermal pressures to "control" aspects of their life and seek perfection. Any situation where food, negative self thoughts, or exercise controls some aspect of your life is extremely limiting to an individual. I would like to see a follow up program where these greater issues are addressed, and where the real consequences of these negative behaviors are shown and ways to achieve a healthy body image are more specifically defined.

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