"We know that developing healthy behaviors in adolescence--such as eating breakfast every day and eating family meals--can have long-term effects into adulthood," says Virginia Winter, assistant professor in the School of Social Work and director of the Center for
Body Image Research and Policy.
Body Image is the cognitive-behavioral perception, an individual has of one's overall appearance.6 It has an effect on our emotional, behavioral and psychological well-being and reflects in our social interactions as well.
A negative
body image has been linked to lower quality of life, feelings of anxiety and depression and unhealthy eating behaviours.
On hand to discuss mental health and the importance of
body image were representatives from Bipolar Scotland, Yoga from the Heart in Dumfries, and local businesses showed their support including Drummuir Ice Cream, Handmade at Helen's,TSB, Boots the Chemist, Dumfries Larder, and Q Fitness.
The poll by Mental Health Foundation Scotland also found one in seven young people had stopped eating or restricted their diet to try to feel better about their
body image.
The advisory group - whose members have not yet been announced - will look at links between social media use and
body image issues.
Mental Health Minister Clare Haughey said: "From our recently published research, we know that
body image is a concern for children and young people.
Research by the Mental Health Foundation found 13% of adults had experienced suicidal thoughts or feelings because of concerns about their
body image.
The study suggests that parents hoping to raise teenagers with positive
body image might just find helpful tools in the kitchen every morning.
The score below 30 represents a good physical image, between 30 and 60 represents moderate
body image, and above 60 represents poor
body image.
The team says its study is the first to investigate men's relationship to their muscles and that more resources need to be available to help the growing number of males struggling with
body image disorders.
Body image of a woman includes the symbolic meaning and importance of her breasts.
