mybodybeautiful Blog

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Picture perfect

Last month psychiatrists announced that they are disturbed by the harmful influence of the media on an individuals body image. In a bid to resolve the issue, they called for a new editorial code of conduct that would significantly reduce the promotion of unhealthily thin bodies and stop the glamorisation of eating disorders.

Eating Disorders experts within the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsychs) argued that the media should be promoting a far greater diversity of body shapes and sizes. This would have the effect of increasing a persons body image. In additional to the code, they went further by a) advocating the use of a kite mark that would be used to clearly identify images that had been digitally enhanced and b) launching a forum.

The forum is supported by medical experts, the media industry and politicians. Dr Adrienne Key, a consultant psychiatrist stated that the aim of the forum was to "collaboratively develop an ethical editorial code that realistically addresses the damaging portrayal of eating disorders, raises awareness of unrealistic visual imagery created through airbrushing and digital enhancement, and also addresses the skewed and erroneous content of magazines."
She continued, "eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are serious mental illnesses. "Although biological and genetic factors play an important role in the development of these disorders, psychological and social factors are also significant".

However, Annabel Brog, editor teen magazine Sugar, told the BBC that the addition of a kite mark on images was impractical because it would be very difficult to know where to draw the line. Many images, she argued, were digitally enhanced to brighten up colours rather than make models appear perfect.

The debate continues....

Friday, March 05, 2010

First disabled model

We received the news, that Shannon Murray has become the first disabled model to star in a High Street fashion campaign, as big step in the right direction. The ultimate aim of course, would be to see disabled individuals represented in the media as a legitimate part of every day society.

Shannon 32, who has been wheelchair bound since breaking her back as a teenager, has become the new face of designer Ben de Lisi's new fashion range for Principles (housed within Debenhams). In the advertisement, she is seen sitting in her wheelchair beside standing models and Ben.

"I hope the images challenge a few misconceptions about disability", Shannon said. "It's been a long time coming".

More good news. The campaigners made an additional effort to depict diversity by their inclusion of a size 16, a size 10 and a less than average height (5 ft 4") model.

Tuesday, March 02, 2010

The media and sexualisation

This video discuses some of the issues highlighted in last weeks Home Office report on the sexualisation of children.

The reports called for:-
- Tougher regulation of sexual imagery in adverts
- A ban on selling "lads' mags" to under-16s.
- Selling mobile phones and games consoles with parental controls automatically switched on.
- A ban on "sexualised" music videos before the TV watershed
- A ban on Jobcentres advertising positions in lap-dancing clubs and massage parlours
- Internet service providers to block access to pro-bulimia and pro-anorexia websites
- The creation of a website where parents can report any "irresponsible marketing" they believe sexualises young children.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Something old ... someone new ...

Yesterday, Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield (This Morning), briefly mentioned that they were looking for individuals who were thinking of undergoing cosmetic surgery prior to their wedding.

I remember my wedding day vividly, even thought it took place almost 12 years ago. Like all brides I wanted to look my very best, especially when taking into account the fact that all eyes and a video camera would be focused on the groom and I.

While its natural to want to be seen in the best light, pre-wedding cosmetic surgery seems a little extreme. Despite the fact that cosmetic surgery is, by its very definition surgery, with all the associated implications; there is a growing trend for brides (and grooms) to turn to cosmetic surgery. A recent study of 1000 engaged individuals (roughly 50:50 female/male split) found that more than half the brides and 39 percent of grooms were considering cosmetic surgery or an aesthetic treatment.

One question that must be asked is why would brides-to-be desire such a radical change in their appearance? Is it a long held desire or an impulsive decision aimed at perfecting their appearance on the day? If the latter, then healthy eating, exercise, makeup, supporting undergarments, jewellery and even the dress itself can boost confidence and help them to achieve the look they desire.

For those brides who have wanted plastic surgery for years, timing is everything. Serious consideration should be given to recovery times, side effects and how surgery will affect their wedding and honeymoon e.g. dress size.

The most popular procedures were:

Women:
1. Botox - 68 percent
2. Teeth Whitening - 62 percent
3. Liposuction - 55 percent
4. Breast Augmentation - 47 percent
5. Face plumpers - 43 percent

Men:
1. Veneers - 78 percent
2. Botox - 62 percent
3. Hair Plugs - 41 percent
4. Liposuction - 33 percent
5. Chest Reduction - 25 percent

Monday, February 22, 2010

Teaching self esteem in schools

Yesterday Beat, the eating disorders charity, said that children as young as eight should be taught about self esteem to reduce the risk of them developing eating disorders. Beat argued that children need to learn how to deal with images of the "perfect body" in the media. They continued "Success is not about how we look but what we do."

mybodybeatuiful.co.uk has held the belief that children should be thought how to deal with body image and self esteem issues for several years. We were so convinced of the need, that we developed a body image and self esteem workshop for schools.
We are pleased other organisations feel the same way and have publically voiced their concerns.

Friday, February 19, 2010

A black princess

This week, I took a group of 8 year old girls to see 'the princess and the frog' as part of a half term day out. I sat and watched the film getting the greatest enjoyment from their absorbed captivated faces.

After the film, I asked them what they thought of it. The girls enthusiastically told me that they loved it and thought the princess was beautiful. To my surprise, not one of them mentioned that the princess was not white, with blue eyes and long flowing blond hair.

How times have chagned. Today, UK children of all nationalities can go to the cinemas, see a film staring a black princess and not feel the need to question the possibility.

The princess and the frog is an enjoyable family film. It is also a huge boost to the body image and self esteem of black and other ethnic children.

Full Article

Monday, February 15, 2010

How old are you?

The anti ageing industry driven by the seemingly obsessive desire to preserve youth is pojected to reach £70 billion (world wide) this year. The need to stay young is an unstoppable phenomena that is now sweeping the young, not so young, middle age and older along in its wake.

Aging is a natural and inevitable part of life. It cannot be stopped although lifestyle choices can help you to appear younger than you really are.

So... how old are you. The answer is not as straight forward as you might think. Few people realise that their body cells are constantly regenerating themselves, thus whatever your age, parts of your body are much younger.

Bones: 10 years old (whole skeleton).

Brain: As old as you are.

Blood (red cells): 4 months.

Eyes: As old as you are.

Heart: Renewed every 20 years.

Liver: The 5 moths old.

Lungs: 2-3 weeks.

Hair: 3-6 years (to replace a whole head of hair).

Intestines: Lining 2-3 days. Rest 3-5 days.

Nails: 6-10 months.

Skin: Surface replaced every 2-4 weeks.

Taste Buds: 10 days old.

According to recent research, the average age of your body, your muscles etc (whole organs) is 15 years and a half years old. The discovery that most of our cells are younger than we are means that at a point in the future, it may be possible to significantly delay ageing by protecting or repairing our DNA.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Magazine tricks

Last nights episode of of Jo Frost's Extreme Parental Guidance was an an excellent program. I would advise any parent with a child who has body image issues, particularly if their child is female, to watch it on Channel 4 on demand.

Our introduction to the Philip family consisted of 12 year old Bronwyn statement "I'm really stupid and ugly...too thin and skinny ... I feel really horrible". Her mother, who was visibly upset told Jo that "Bronwyn is obsessed with her looks at the moment. It started with a birthmark when she was about 7 years old". It then progressed to her believing that she had an hairy back, arms and legs. Bronwyn began shaving her legs when she was 10 and had such low self esteem and confidence that she refused to leave the house without full makeup.

When commenting on the glossy magazines that her daughter turned to for inspiration her mother commented that everybody always looks "absolutely immaculate" continuing "it's not real, but she doesn't seem to understand that". After a conversation with Bronwyn in her bedroom Jo concluded that she was "such a gentle fragile young girl".

In an effort to help Bronmwn Jo decided to confront the idolised magazine images head on. Using herself as the guinea pig and with the help of a professional makeup artist, fashion photographer and digital retoucher, Jo allowed both herself and the resulting photograph to be transformed into the "accepted standard for a fashion or beauty advert".

The resulting photograph had:

1. Reduced her dress size by 3 sizes.

2. Reduced the size of her arms

3. Slimed down her face, chin and neck line.

4. Removed the bags under her eyes.

It was certainly an eye opener for the 12 year old you stated that the resulting image was "not real ..... almost like [it was] a different person".

Fours week later, I was happy to see a much happier, more confident and makeup free Bronwyn. She now recognised the magazine "tricks" and no loner felt pressure to be anything other than herself.

Thursday, February 04, 2010

Male Body image issues

This video discusses the increasing body image issues affecting men and attempts to compare them with the immense pressures on women.

Tuesday, February 02, 2010

Never Without Makeup

For our second interview article, we have interviewed a body image conscious women about her use of makeup. She is very concerned about her physical appearance and will not leave the house without makeup....

Interview extract:

"When I look in the mirror, I see more than others see. Without makeup I feel like I have not clothes on. My sister says that I have a problem. I can’t do without it. At times when I’m upset or if I’ve had a row with my husband, I have to put it on again. I feel very insecure without it".

Full Article

Friday, January 29, 2010

High Spirit magazine article

High Spirit Magazine have recently accepted one of our body image articles for publication.

High Spirit magazine is a natural health, spiritual, feel good publication for mind body and soul. It is devoted to making a positive impact on readers, offering inspiration for spiritual growth and self improvement, to enhance well being and future happiness.

We hope this will be the first of many magazines articles.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Blue eyed Barbie

Tuesday's episode of 'Piers Morgan on ... ' featured Shanghai. Shanghai is a known as the "Gateway to the world". It now has the largest container port in the world, a population in excess of 18 million people and is the most important economic centre in China. China has aspirations to be the next world super power. The phrase 'No. 1' was said repeatedly.

This being the case, I was surprised and more than a little disturbed to learn that the most popular Barbie doll, totalling 85% of sales, is the western blue eyed blonde version. Equally disturbing was the revelation that one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures is to change the shape and widen their distinctive eyes. Why? So that they would be more Western in appearance. Piers questioned several teenagers who were spending £700 (around three months' wages) on eye surgery. One young women him that she wanted to 'look more beautiful, like Victoria Beckham', and believed she would 'get a better job if my eyes look more round'.

Why would the Chinese want to emulate the physical appearance of white Westerners; a power that they believe is in decline? For a possible answer read our blog White Beauty Myth

On the opposite end of the Barbie spectrum; Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez yesterday called for Barbie to be replaced by an indigenous doll. Dolls "like Barbie have nothing to do with our culture", he said.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Winter madness

On Saturday night my husband and I went to a friends birthday party. It was held at a restaurant in the city centre.

We both opted to dress for the weather. I wore in a warm suit, donned and a pair sensible shoes and grabbed my faithful winter coat before leaving the house. The short walk from the car park to our meeting place was particularly unpleasant. My coat offered very little protection against the biting winds that made minus two feel a good deal colder.

As we walked past the taxi rank, I noticed two young women both in their early twenties. Neither had a coat and they were both wearing a flimsy short dress. They were clearly freezing; visibly shivering as they huddled together. As a taxi pulled up I noticed that one in particular seemed to be having a great deal of trouble walking. I looked down and was shocked to discover that she was wearing 4 inch red stilettos. As she gingery inched her way towards the taxi's back door, she placed her hands on the side of the vehicle to acquire enough additional stability to enable her to eventually take her seat.

I know that times have changed since my clubbing days, but even so. Is dressing to impress really worth risking pneumonia and broken limbs? The whole episode left me speechless and for the first time I was able to put a meaning to the term 'winter madness'.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Most desirable celebrity body

Recently, Kate Winslet topped a YouGov poll of 2,000 women to gain the title of 'most desirable celebrity body'. Kate secured 16% of the votes, while Kelly Brook another healthily shaped female came second with 15%.

Rebecca Wheatley, the ex Casualty actress who won Slimming World's woman of the year after losing more than 12 stone, is convinced that there is a change in the public perception, with women in particular, concerning what is and what is not attractive. "It is fantastic to see that finally women seem to be aspiring towards a healthy body shape that is realistic and achievable," she said. "... After all, healthy women come in all sizes". Rebecca continued "It is definitely a step forward that rather than persuading women to set their sights on being super thin, which can lead to misery when they fail to achieve their target, more celebrities are encouraging inner confidence and a positive body image and showing women how they can be happy with their shape."

The survey results are detailed below:

Kate Winslet 16%
Kelly Brook 15%
Halle Berry 12%
Cheryl Cole 10%
Beyoncé 6%
Megan Fox 5%
Lily Allen 4%
Keeley Hazell 2%
Kate Moss 1%
Jordan 1%
Victoria Beckham 1%

The result of this poll is encouraging. Hopefully, it represents a positive change where women are beginning to view healthy looking bodies like Kate Winslet's and Kelly Brook's as desirable, rather than the super thin bodies of Kate Moss or Victoria Beckham.

Thursday, January 07, 2010

Feeling good in 2010

The new year is here. We believe that the message conveyed in our first blog post is very important; setting the tone for how we mean to move forward during 2010.

This being the case, we couldn't think of a better first message than how to feel good about yourself in 2010. We hope it will help build your self esteem and self confidence.

Confidence
Don't wait for your confidence to reach a mythical level of elevation before taking the first step towards obtaining your dreams. Don't let a desired opportunity pass you by. View perceived obstacles as challenges. Remember you will get some things right and others wrong. Whatever the outcome, the exercise will be a valuable learning experience, it will also increase your confidence and move you closer to achieving your goals.

Feelings
There will be times when you will feel overwhelmed, unchallenged, a failure, successful, happy, disappointed or a multitude of other emotions. Accept how you feel and if negative, acknowledge the truth about your emotions and work on coping strategies to help you to keep moving forward towards your desired outcome.

Self Awareness
Try not to take everything personally. e.g. If a third party does not give you the response you were hoping for, take an objective view. Perhaps there are contributing factors that you are not aware of or take time to recognize that everything is not always going to go your way.

Choose
There will be times when things go wrong despite your best endeavours and intensions. Rather then beating yourself up, choose to adopt a more forgiving and proactive approach. Review the situation to determine if the problem can be corrected and how. If it can't be fixed, apologise (if appropriate), forgive yourself and move on.

Self talk
Replace the negative voices going around and around in your head with positive self talk. Stand in front of the mirror and repeat positive truths about yourself. If it helps write them on note pads and place them on regularly frequented locations around your house. Do this even if you have concluded that there is an element of truth in the negative self talk or negative words voiced by others. View identified problem areas as aspects of yourself that you can work on improving; refrain from attaching an all encompassing negative label to yourself.

Judging Others
Remember that you are not able to get into the head, emotions and heart of others in order to determine the reason behind their words and actions. Therefore, it is prudent to remember that there are countless reasons behind why people act the way the do. Do not determine a reason by imposing your own negative beliefs and fears on their actions. Instead look for and adopt a positive explanation.

We hope the above will help you accept and feel good about yourself in 2010 and beyond.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

New Year resolutions

According to a Tesco Bank survey. "Resolutions are back in for 2010 as many of us look to make a fresh start". The survey found:-

- More than four in 10 will start the year with at least one resolution
10 per cent up on the same time last year. - Less than one in five of Britons kept up their resolutions beyond January 2009. - Just six per cent kept our resolutions for the entire year. - Getting physically and financially fitter is top of the agenda for 2010. - More than half vow to save more money and budget better at the start of the
new decade as well as do more exercise and lose weight.

The end of December is the time of year when I look back at my Jan 01 new years resolutions to see which ones I've managed to keep and which ones fell by the wayside. Happily, this year I am able to avoid the usual depressing realisation that most of my resolution were broken within the first few months or even weeks.

Last year I made one new years resolution; which was not to make any resolutions at all. In consequence, when reviewing the past year, I do not have to look failure in the face or question the strength of my self control. This morning, I can see take a deep breath knowing that my self esteem is fully intact.

Having said all that, I am going to try something new for 2010. Rather than a list of doomed resolutions or no resolutions at all; this time I am going to adopt a slightly different approach.

In 2010, I am going to focus on what I want, rather than what I don't want. e.g. I don't want to be overweight, but I do want to be healthy and relatively fit. I am not going to give up anything, nor am I going to adopt anything short term. These resolutions will be long term, rolling over from one year to the next.

This time next year, I hope to be healthier, fitter and happier. I also hope to have positively contributed to the lives of my family, friends, colleagues and anyone who comes across my path.

Happy New Year.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

The sexualisation of children & teens

The new St Trinians film 'The Legend Of Fritton's Gold' sees the schoolgirls start a new term amidst the usual chaos and excitement. The film, out this month, is rated PG (Parent Guardian). The rating cautions parents that the content might not be appropriate for younger children; although children of any age are allowed to watch it.

The bad behaviour of the girls in the St Trinians films is only surpassed by their inappropriate overly sexualised attire; attire that cannot by any stretch of the imagination be described as a school uniform.

We believe that films like this send young girls and teens the false message that their values lies in being sexy, 'hot' and appealing to boys. The sex based message that it gives boys about girls, is equally worrying.

Parents need to be much more active in reducing and counteracting the effects that the bombardments of sexualised messages have on the developing minds of their daughters and sons. Messages that many are neither mentally or emotionally able to comprehend or deal with. Movies, magazines, TV, music, video games and the internet are all downloading sexualised images and stereotypes into the minds of your offspring.

Being aware of what my children are doing/wearing and taking the necessary action is a daily priority. Other parents need to do the same. However, I don't think the solution is as straightforward as blaming the parents. Many parents are simply not aware of what is happening, due to the slow but relentless drip ... drip effect.

The simple truth is that the sexualisation of our children and teens is a sought after commodity. As a society, we need to recognise this fact and bring the associated issues out into the open. Only through awareness and open discussions can we hope to bring about effective and lasting change.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Twiggy & Olay 'Misleading'

Yesterday, the Advertising Standards Authority, who believe that whatever an advert promises should be decent and truthful, ruled that an airbrushed photo of 60 year old Twiggy "could give consumers a misleading impression of the effect the product could achieve". The advertisement credited Olay Definity eye illuminator as her "secret to brighter-looking eyes" The unnaturally youthful and relatively line free photo promised results that no cream can deliver.

Proctor and Gamble's withdraw the advert and denied allegations that they were being socially irresponsible. The withdrawal signalled a small victory for the 700 individuals who signed a petition complained about it. Jo Swinson the Lib Dem MP behind the campaign said "body confidence, self esteem and health is something that needs to be dealt with".

We hope the Advertising Standards decision will result in the advertising industry taking a much more responsible stance. Ideally, we would like to see the industry ban all unrealistic and unattainable images that are invariably placed beside products and services that promise impossible transformations.

The real Twiggy

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Perfection can’t be achieved

“Perfection can’t be achieved ... even beautiful people feel that they ‘lack’ in some way.”

“I have experienced first-hand that trying to change one’s self to meet the standard in a dramatic way… can kill you.”

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Pinkification

This week we learned (Sky News) about a campaign aimed at stopping the "pinkification" of girls toys'. Twins Abi and Emma Moore, who are behind the campaign, want to reduce the "narrow and damaging" messages which emphasise being pretty and dainty. Such messages, they argue, could contribute to low self-esteem and eating disorders.

Abi and Emma want families, manufacturers and schools to think more carefully about the toys they provide. They pinpointed the Early Learning Centre as one of the worst gender stereotype offenders; a claim the company denied.

pinkstinks.co.uk has been set up to raise awareness of the issue. The website also sells t-shirts, mugs, tote bags and badges that say "I think pink stinks" and "I'm no princess".

Emma does not believe that constantly choosing pink is inherent in little girls. "It's not natural and it wasn't like this when we were growing up in the 1970s," she said.

I will confess to sympathising with Abi and Emma. My daughter is almost 8. Up until 18 months ago, almost everything she owned was pink..... clothes, toys even her footwear (trainers and slippers). She also had every fairy and princess doll on the market (most were Christmas and birthday presents from family members).

As her mother and closest female role model, I made sure that she was aware that toys we just that and didn't represent real life. For example she was told that she was not and would never be a princess. At the same time we reinforced the knowledge that she was a valuable and precious individual in her own right. I also made a point of not wearing pink and discussed with her that fact that I preferred blue, red or black and that she was free to chose the colours she liked.

Luckily as she has matured, her taste has matured with her. She is very creative and loves a variety of colours. Fortunately, there are also a lo