My Body
Body Image Myths and Misconceptions
There are many myths and misconceptions about body image. These common misunderstandings sabotage body
acceptance and can lead to a disordered self image. My Body is designed to dispel false beliefs about weight and body
image and help you accept and love the incredible body you have.
Myth #1 : It's your own fault that you're not losing any weight. With the right amount of willpower, you could look any way
you want.
Facts: Diets are often unhealthy and may also lead to weight gain. Carrie Hemenway, writer for the National Eating
Disorder Awareness Week, says only 2 - 5% of all people losing can maintain that loss for three years or more.
Additionally, most women do not meet the 5'10''-110 pounds model standard, just like most men don't have the bodies of
professional athletes - no matter how hard they diet and exercise. The key to a healthier self is a healthy mind and body
image, paired with a balanced diet and physical activity.
Myth #2 : You have to diet to lose weight.
Facts: As we said before, diets rarely lead to long-term weight loss. In fact, they can be detrimental to your health. Most
doctors and professional associations do not endorse strict low-fat or low-carb diets, such as the Atkins diet. The
American Heart Association, for instance, recommends a 'well-balanced diet that includes lots of fruits, vegetables,
whole grains, and at least two servings a week of fish -- fatty fish' (Source: WebMD). Additional exercise can help you
maintain your shape. You don't have to be an avid track runner or hardcore weightlifter. More relaxed sports, such as
yoga and pilates, help you reflect on your mind and body while giving you a great workout.
Myth #3 : Large people have bad diets; thin people healthy ones.
Facts: According to Hemenway, it is more dangerous to be extremely thin than extremely fat. It is important to note that
thin people can suffer from health issues such as elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes even though
these diseases are most often attributed to people who are overweight. Regardless of one's weight, however, it is
important for all people to maintain a healthy lifestyle - including a balanced diet, exercise, regular checkups and
smoking avoidance.
Myth #4 : Only women and girls struggle with their weight and diet.
Facts: Unfortunately, eating disorders pose a problem to most groups in our society. Men can suffer from unhealthy
body image as well, and they do. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, currently an alarming rate of
almost 50 percent of American men don't like their overall appearance. Whereas in 1972, it was only one in six men who
didn't like his body. The growing pressure to look a certain way has led to an increase in eating disorders in men. Men
and boys - just like women and girls - can learn how to accept their bodies and live healthy lives without pressure and
anxiety over food
Body Image Myths and Misconceptions
There are many myths and misconceptions about body image. These common misunderstandings sabotage body
acceptance and can lead to a disordered self image. My Body is designed to dispel false beliefs about weight and body
image and help you accept and love the incredible body you have.
Myth #1 : It's your own fault that you're not losing any weight. With the right amount of willpower, you could look any way
you want.
Facts: Diets are often unhealthy and may also lead to weight gain. Carrie Hemenway, writer for the National Eating
Disorder Awareness Week, says only 2 - 5% of all people losing can maintain that loss for three years or more.
Additionally, most women do not meet the 5'10''-110 pounds model standard, just like most men don't have the bodies of
professional athletes - no matter how hard they diet and exercise. The key to a healthier self is a healthy mind and body
image, paired with a balanced diet and physical activity.
Myth #2 : You have to diet to lose weight.
Facts: As we said before, diets rarely lead to long-term weight loss. In fact, they can be detrimental to your health. Most
doctors and professional associations do not endorse strict low-fat or low-carb diets, such as the Atkins diet. The
American Heart Association, for instance, recommends a 'well-balanced diet that includes lots of fruits, vegetables,
whole grains, and at least two servings a week of fish -- fatty fish' (Source: WebMD). Additional exercise can help you
maintain your shape. You don't have to be an avid track runner or hardcore weightlifter. More relaxed sports, such as
yoga and pilates, help you reflect on your mind and body while giving you a great workout.
Myth #3 : Large people have bad diets; thin people healthy ones.
Facts: According to Hemenway, it is more dangerous to be extremely thin than extremely fat. It is important to note that
thin people can suffer from health issues such as elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes even though
these diseases are most often attributed to people who are overweight. Regardless of one's weight, however, it is
important for all people to maintain a healthy lifestyle - including a balanced diet, exercise, regular checkups and
smoking avoidance.
Myth #4 : Only women and girls struggle with their weight and diet.
Facts: Unfortunately, eating disorders pose a problem to most groups in our society. Men can suffer from unhealthy
body image as well, and they do. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, currently an alarming rate of
almost 50 percent of American men don't like their overall appearance. Whereas in 1972, it was only one in six men who
didn't like his body. The growing pressure to look a certain way has led to an increase in eating disorders in men. Men
and boys - just like women and girls - can learn how to accept their bodies and live healthy lives without pressure and
anxiety over food
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