Body Image. An essay which involves discussion of why body image is so important to society in the present times.

Body image involves our perception, imagination, emotions, and physical sensations about our bodies. It's not based on fact. It's psychological in nature, and more influenced by self-esteem than by actual physical attractiveness as judged by others. It is not inborn, but learned. This learning occurs in families and among peers, but these only reinforce what is learned and expected culturally. In this culture, women are starving themselves, alternating between starving and gorging, obsessing, pounding and …

…and self-respect are all related. Self-esteem is also defined as the judgments a person makes about themselves and is affected by self-confidence and respect. Self-confidence is believing in our ability to take action and meet our goals. Self-respect is the amount to which we believe we deserve to be happy, have rewarding relationships and stand up for our rights and values. All these factors affect whether or not we will have a healthy body image.