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Body Image and Women

Body image is an issue which affects people of all ages and backgrounds. Women and girls are inundated with messages from the media telling them how they should look. Unrealistic media ideals are often presented alongside diet regimes or products which claim to alter appearance. Body image concerns in women of all ages appear to be on the increase. Body beautiful messaging no longer targets only young people but increasingly affects women of all ages. We are bombarded with ‘picture perfect’ images of celebrities of every age endorsing beauty regimes or products. 

PREGNANCY AND THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD

Even the natural physical changes of pregnancy can be a source of body image concerns. Media images of celebrities in bikinis during pregnancy or within weeks of giving birth can set unrealistic expectations and increase body concerns or dissatisfaction in women during this time. Pressure to look slim during and after pregnancy can contribute to weight monitoring or dieting behaviours which could potentially be damaging for the baby during the pregnancy or breastfeeding stage. This pressure can also have a negative impact on the mental health of the mother. 

Some research studies indicate that body image concerns are greater in women in the postpartum period than in women who are pregnant. In fact, some studies even found an increase in body satisfaction in pregnant women in comparison to women who are not pregnant. Women often find various ways to cope positively with the bodily changes that occur during pregnancy, however, there is often greater body dissatisfaction amongst women in the postpartum period. Many women report feeling under pressure to regain their pre-pregnancy body and to once again conform to the slim ideal, a pressure which may have been reduced during their pregnancy. Unrealistic expectations for women to ‘bounce back’ to their original weight and shape shortly after giving birth contribute significantly to increased body dissatisfaction in the postpartum period.

So how can women improve body image postpartum?

Focus on what your body can do: It may be helpful to focus on what your body can do (e.g. carrying your baby to term, feeding your baby) than to focus on how your body looks. It may also be helpful to practice self-care and self-compassion, and to remember what your body went through to have a baby so you can release these concerns. The postpartum period is often a stressful time with lack of sleep and constant demands on your time. It may be helpful to ask a family member or friend to support you so you have time to take a break and focus on being kind to your body, get some rest, a long bath or time out to do yoga or just get out for a walk and change of scenery.

Stop comparisons: Avoid comparing yourself to the idealised postpartum bodies presented in the media. Women in the media are often put under very unhealthy pressure to look slender and toned shortly after childbirth. It can be helpful to recognise the unrealistic standards set for women by the media, and to acknowledge that what is most important at this time is looking after yourself and your new baby properly.

Be kind to your body: Some women described how treating areas which had changed significantly such as breasts, stomach or stretch marks with gentleness greatly improved their ability to accept these changes. Women suggested that using natural body creams on these areas, practicing self-compassion or different techniques to connect with their body (e.g. yoga) were also helpful. The techniques on connecting with your body and self-compassion tips in Section 2 might also be helpful.

Body image and ageing in women

As women age, their bodies go through various changes which can significantly impact on body image satisfaction. However, much of the conversation around the topic of body image tends to focus on the struggles of younger women. While there is some evidence to indicate that some women grow to accept their bodies more as they age, other research suggests that rates of body dissatisfaction in middle-aged and older women are comparable to those in young women.

Many women report experiencing anxiety in relation to ageing and its impact on appearance and body shape. Menopause is an important life transition for women which is accompanied by a variety of physical, emotional and social changes. Women often report struggling with the bodily changes that occur as a result of menopause and the challenges associated with coming to terms with these.

The media can significantly influence levels of body dissatisfaction in middle-aged and older women. A great deal of pressure is placed on women to maintain their youthful looks, as is evident from the vast number of anti-ageing products available. The message often promoted in the media is that the process of natural ageing is a negative thing and should be stopped and even reversed where possible. This is apparent in observing the lack of representation in the media of ‘normatively ageing’ women (i.e. women with wrinkles, fine lines, greying hair). Middle to older-aged women state also report feeling societal pressure to control their weight and using weight management methods such as dieting, exercise, and dietary supplements.

If you are struggling with body image concerns, there are a number of things that you can do to foster a healthier body image. Remind yourself that ageing is a natural process and something we all go through. Take the time to consider how body image concerns are holding you back and what you would like to do if you had no concerns about how you look.

Focusing on the physical signs of ageing, such as wrinkles or grey hair may lead you to exaggerate the importance of appearance which may hinder your enjoyment of life. Begin to notice the critical voice in your head that is focusing on these physical signs of ageing and make a conscious choice to shift your focus away from body image. Make an effort to refrain from commenting on or judging people on their appearance and instead to focus on the personal qualities that make them enjoyable to be around. Extend the same kindness to yourself and consider your strengths and positive qualities.

Consider whether there are any new interests or activities you could pursue to shift your focus away from body image to your well-being and enjoyment of life. Make a list of goals or activities you would like to work towards that would help you to enjoy life and start to work towards these goals.

Research indicates that developing a greater appreciation for and connection with our bodies can promote positive body image. Make an effort to tune in to your body and what it needs. Tune in to your senses and consider what textures, colours, tastes and smells appeal to you and make an effort to incorporate these simple pleasures into your day. Consider what fabrics feel good on your skin, what foods make you feel good. Choose to slow down and listen to your body. Check in with yourself and give your body what it needs, this may be rest, a warm bath, a walk in the fresh air, a bowl of soup. Respond to these needs and you will start to build a positive supportive relationship with your body. Dress yourself in clothes that fit well and are comfortable, move your body in ways that feel good to you, treat your body with care and learn to enjoy the body and life you have.

Become critical of what you see the media messaging in relation to body image and ageing. Avoid comparing yourself to the glossy unrealistic images of older models in the media. Remind yourself that these are edited to look as they do and that companies selling anti-ageing and dieting products intentionally promote insecurity to trigger people to purchase their products. Make a conscious effort to ignore these messages and to strive towards well-being and enjoying life rather than the pursuit of unrealistic ideals.

Body image and cosmetic procedures

Cosmetic procedures and treatments are becoming increasingly common in recent years to such an extent that it appears to be the norm for celebrities and people in the public eye to have ‘had work done’. These procedures are sometimes discussed in mainstream media in a way that can make people feel like plastic surgery is a normal part of life and that if there is something they don’t like that they can and should seek surgery to change this aspect of themselves.   Indeed the cosmetic industry relies on body dissatisfaction and insecurity to generate customers. The message peddled is that changing ourselves or how we look will lead to greater happiness. It is important to recognise that appearance is only one aspect of who we are and to reflect on whether changes to our body will really impact on us in a positive way or whether treating ourselves and our bodies with kindness, really tuning into our needs and supporting ourselves might affect longer lasting changes to how we feel.  

Things to consider

Before having expensive cosmetic treatments or surgery, it is important to consider what we are unhappy with about our appearance and why? It is also important to consider who we are making these changes for. Are we making these changes for ourselves or is it to impress others? Prior to undergoing cosmetic surgery procedures which cannot be undone it is advisable to go for counselling to explore your reasons and to consider all aspects of the surgery, your thoughts, expectations and whether this is the right choice for you at this time. Surgery like breast augmentation may require follow up surgeries every 10 years or so to replace the implants. Face lifts or other cosmetic procedures may significantly alter the way we look in a way that is obvious to others and may result in questions or comments you may need to be prepared for.  

For some, cosmetic surgery can be a positive experience and/or may be required for medical reasons. However, for others the physical changes may be overwhelming or may not bring about the happiness they were expecting. This may result in feelings or disillusionment and a grieving for the body they rejected. It is advisable to undergo counselling prior to undertaking any surgery which cannot be undone. This should be independent of the medical agency offering the surgery. Cosmetic surgery requires a brief counselling session and questionnaire prior to undertaking surgery. This in-house counselling may encourage having the cosmetic procedure and may not sufficiently consider their reasons for having the surgery or explore other non surgical options which may support the person’s happiness and well-being. A minimum of three sessions with an independent accredited counsellor to explore other options and to really consider reasons for surgery and any other concerns which may be at play is advisable.  

A ‘quick fix’ surgical route to happiness cannot address our relationship with ourselves. Learning to accept ourselves as we are and to treat ourselves with love and respect is important prior to surgery. If surgery still seems like the right choice for you then you can be sure you have considered all the options.

Research in the United States indicates that the demand for certain cosmetic procedures has been on the rise over the last number of years. Far more women are seeking cosmetic surgery and non-surgical procedures than men (93% vs. 7% in 2019) and 40% of all procedures are carried out on those between the ages of 35 and 50. However, the number of males seeking cosmetic procedures has risen consistently since the late 1990s; the American Society for American Plastic Surgery reported a 325% increase in male cosmetic procedures from 1997 to 2015 and liposuction is the most commonly chosen surgical procedure for men. In the United States, approximately 8.2 billion dollars was spent on cosmetic procedures in 2019. The Irish Association of Plastic Surgeons claim that the number of people seeking plastic surgery in Ireland has increased in recent years. 

We can be very easily influenced by what we see in the media. When there are constantly photographs of men and women looking ‘perfect’ as well as articles detailing the various procedures that someone has undergone to achieve this look, it can impact on the way we view our own bodies. It’s important to be critical of what we see in magazines or online and to question the information that is being presented to us – is this person being paid to promote whatever it is that they are promoting? Are they truly ‘happy’ now that they have ‘fixed’ whatever perceived flaws they had? What kind of pressure is that person under from society to adhere to certain appearance ideals?

It is important to remember that body image only makes up one part of who we are. Remind yourself that there are lots of great things about you that have nothing to do with your appearance. Take the time to consider how body image concerns are holding you back and what you would like to do if you had no concerns about how you look. Reflect on what it is that you value in other people – usually we place value on personality and personal qualities. Consider your own strengths, achievements and skills and remind yourself that your worth is not determined by your appearance. Begin to notice the critical voice in your head that tells you that you are not good enough unless you look a certain way and try to practice extending compassion towards yourself when this voice shows up. You will find more information on improving body image and self-compassion techniques in the general section on improving body image.

Useful Resources + links: body image in women

📰 Article: The Telegraph reports that one third of young women are not attending for smear tests due to body image concerns - click here.

🎧 Podcast: Listen to Dr. Hazel Wallace and registered nutritionist Laura Thomas discuss diet culture, body neutrality and intuitive eating - click here.

🎧 Podcast: Positive body image: Listen to the hosts of the Appearance Matters podcast interview Dr. Tracy Tylka about positive body image and discuss relevant research studies - click here.

🎧 Podcast: Body confident mums: Listen to the hosts of the Appearance Matters podcast interview “body image experts” Dr Zali Yager, Dr Laura Hart, and Dr Ivanka Prichard about postpartum body image - click here.

🎧 Podcast: Listen to psychotherapist Sharon Martin discuss ways of adding more self-compassion into your life - click here.

🎧 Podcast: Listen to dietitians Corrine Dobbas and Fiona Sutherland talk about body image and body image healing - click here.

🎧 Podcast: Listen to personal trainer Tally Rye discuss the concept of intuitive movement - click here.

📰 Article: Pruis and Janowsky (2009) found similar levels of body dissatisfaction in younger and older women, however, they found that the drive for thinness and the degree of societal influence on body image was higher in younger women. The similarity between younger and older women in terms of body dissatisfaction may indicate that women who experience body dissatisfaction may experience it across the lifespan - click here to read the research article.

📰 Article: Longitudinal research conducted on a group of men and women between 20 and 86 years of age over two years indicated that a relationship exists between self-esteem and levels of body dissatisfaction. This relationship was strongest in younger women and was such that those with lower self-esteem were likely to have greater body dissatisfaction. However, men were found to place the greatest importance on appearance and had higher levels of body dissatisfaction than women - click here to read the research article.

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