Body image is how you see yourself when you look in the mirror or when you picture yourself in your mind. It encompasses:
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What you believe about your own appearance (including your memories, assumptions, and generalizations).
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How you feel about your body, including your height, shape, and weight.
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How you sense and control your body as you move. How you physically experience or feel in your body.
Many of us internalize messages starting at a young age that can lead to either positive or negative body image. Having a healthy body image is an important part of mental wellbeing and eating disorders prevention (National Eating Disorder Assoc, 2018).
10 Steps to a Positive Body Image