Body image: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

Body image refers to an individual's perception of their physical appearance. It is more than what a person thinks they will see in a mirror, but is inextricably tied to their self esteem and acceptance by peers. A person with a poor body image will perceive their own body as being unattractive or even repulsive to others. While a person with good body image will either see themselves as attractive to others, or will at least accept it as is. Body image is most strongly affected during puberty, and is influenced by peers, parents, teachers and mentors, and commercial advertising (see Barbie).

In the United States, poor body image is widespread, especially (but not exclusively) among women, and often leads to a variety of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. Other possible effects of the cultural obsession with looking thin may include binge exercising, fad diets, and multiple cases of suing fast food chains.

Body dysmorphic disorders cover a range of personality disorders where a person is dissatisfied with one's own body.