Body Image

David Citer and Anne Kenyon were my guests in the studio today to talk about body image, what images we are subscribing to and how it is having a detrimental affect on our physical and mental health. We all called for a revolution of loving ourselves and each other for who we are, not what we do or what we look like! Read more for Anne and David's top tips

As a society and as parents we need to be aware of the language we use around children and how this can have long lasting effects on mental as well as physical health.

Appreciate who you are and what you bring
Appreciate each other - take time to tell each other
Avoid the blame game.
Be aware of the images media feeds you about how you should look.
Love each other for who you are NOT what you do or how you look
Build a body that can feed you back kind thoughts through gentle exercise and healthy eating
Get support when you need it - we live in a community - work as a community

Do we honour the amazing beings that we are, or do we let someone else dictate our value?

Useful references

ABD - Battling body dysmorphia
Body Dysmorphia Foundation - BDD
BDD in men
Common Sense Media-  Social media giving teens a negative body image
The 'Perfect' woman's body shape from around the world 
Useful recent research on body image