Your body image is how you perceive, think and feel about your body. This can include your body size, weight, shape or your appearance more generally.
We often worry about the way we look and compare ourselves with a narrow view of how we should look from many different influences, including family, peers, media and social pressures.
It is important to look around us – at our family, friends and community. The normal reality is that we come in different shapes, sizes and abilities. A positive body image can improve self-esteem, self-acceptance, healthy interpersonal relationship with others, and a healthy relationship with food and physical activity.
Further reading
Butterfly Foundation – Health not weight
Butterfly Foundation – Can body image issues be serious
A photo gallery display of the natural diversity of women’s genitals.
Tip of the Iceberg: An illustrated guide to the clitoris and other pussy pleasure parts
A 57-page, downloadable, illustrated booklet about all things clitoral
Better Health Channel – Body image – women
Better Health Channel – Body image and diets
Better Health Channel – Healthy mind
Mental Health Foundation UK – Body image in adulthood
Mental Health Foundation UK – Body image in later life
Mental Health Foundation UK – Body image and long-term health conditions
Mental Health Foundation UK – Body image and ethnic background
Mental Health Foundation UK – Body image, sexual orientation and gender identity
Breast Cancer Network Australia – Body image
Breast Cancer Network Australia – Sexual wellbeing
Cancer Council NSW – Body image, sexuality and intimacy
Healthtalk Australia – Body image, sex and dating
View videos of Australian women and men discuss about their body image, self-acceptance of their body and its flaws they grew older.
The Guardian – Women and ageing: ‘I’ve developed the courage to live my own truth’ – picture essay
