Auntie Betty: I don’t like my body shape
Dear Auntie Betty, I am in junior high school Form One. I used to be slim but of late I have put on a lot of weight.
I do not like my new shape. I look horrible.
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What should I do?
Worried Girl,
Takoradi.
Dear Worried Girl, There are many young people who have issues with their body image. Body image refers to “the perception you have about how your body looks, how acceptable it is and how it ‘measures up’ to society’s standards.”
You did not state what is making you put on weight. Putting on weight can be attributed to a number of factors such as unhealthy lifestyle, genetics and other medical conditions.
However, it is important to understand that you are young and as you grow, your body will go through a lot of changes. It is normal.
Your weight gain could be as a result of your genes and there is nothing much you can do about that except to eat healthy and engage in physical activity so that you keep to a healthy weight all the time.
You may also gain weight during puberty because at that time, your body is going through a lot of changes and you have to develop a positive attitude by feeling good and satisfied about how your body looks during this period.
Lack of physical activity or a medical condition could also make you gain weight so you have to take a good look at your lifestyle and do the needful. If it is as a result of a medical condition, then you have to talk to your parents to help you see a medical practitioner.
You have to bear in mind that the Internet, social media and other platforms give us a false impression of how one should look like or what a ‘beautiful body’ should be.
Do not be deceived by these images because most of them are digitally altered to make them look ‘beautiful’ and not real.
It is important that you develop a healthy body image because having a negative one will make you feel bad as you are doing now, low self-esteem and confidence; and you may develop eating disorders among others.
There are different body shapes and you have to accept yours but ensure that you develop a healthy lifestyle to stay fit and healthy.
You also must not body-shame yourself by saying “I look horrible”. It lowers your self-esteem. No one is perfect so feel good and carry yourself with a sense of confidence.
All the best.
