Body image is a term which may refer to a person’s perception of his or her own physical appearance, or the interpretation of the body by the brain. Body image can be described as how individuals see themselves when looking in a mirror, or when picturing themselves in their mind, and their ideas about their body, such as height, shape, and weight and age.
Essentially, body image describes how one perceives one’s appearance to be in relation to others, which in many cases may be dramatically different from one’s objective physical condition or how one is actually perceived by others.
A 2007 report by the American Psychological Association found that a culture-wide sexualization of girls (and women) was contributing to increased female anxiety associated with body image.
Studies conclude that women are more worried about their body image than men and that their concern can impact on their health.
Commentators note that people who have a low body image will try to alter their body in some way, such as by dieting, or undertaking cosmetic surgery.