Body Image Report - Parliament of Victoria

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C HAPTER O NE – A N I NTRODUCTION AND O VERVIEW 1.1 The issue of body image development and the effect of negative body image upon young people is of major importance to the Victorian community. As the following chapters of this report will show, a significant proportion of young people are affected to a significant degree and the Committee welcomes this Inquiry, in part, as an avenue to highlight an issue in the community which at times has been neglected. 1.2 The Terms of Reference for this Inquiry require the identification of broad issues and the suggestion of possible solutions. The Committee is concerned about the growing discrepancy between the popularised “thin ideal” and increasing levels of overweight and obesity in Victoria. As such, this report focuses on the broader social determinants of body image development and raises issues relating to the prevention of body image dissatisfaction, making recommendations as to changes in service provision and early intervention. 1.3 It is the Committee’s understanding that body image dissatisfaction occurs more commonly in young females than males, and is most severe between the ages 15-22 years. While it has been estimated that it can result in extreme dieting and eating disorders in 2- 4% of the population, the Committee is particularly concerned with the 1
INQUIRY INTO ISSUES RELATING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF BODY IMAGE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE AND ASSOCIATED EFFECTS ON THEIR HEALTH AND WELLBEING sub-clinical presentations of poor body image, as it affects a greater proportion of young people. These include: 2 • Restrictive dieting behaviours and disordered eating patterns; • Weight cycling; • Inadvertent weight gain; • Lower participation in physical activity; • Low self esteem and feelings of worthlessness; and • Anxiety and depression. 1.4 Major factors in the development of body image can be briefly stated as follows: • Peer influence & consumerism; • Mainstream media, the model industry, and fashion retailers; • Family characteristics; • Individual personality traits; • Body weight and stigmatisation; and • Health professionals and health messages. These issues will be dealt with in more detail in the second chapter of this report. Body Image, Body Dissatisfaction and Eating Disorders 1.5 There is a distinction between body image and body dissatisfaction which involves a general concern with the appearance of the body. Eating disorders involve psychological aspects that have mental and physical implications which are different from problems associated with obesity. However, there are overlaps and links, and it has become clear in the Inquiry that body image involves self esteem, body esteem, and healthy eating. Eating disorders involve different
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Body Image Report - Parliament of Victoria

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