Social Media Messages to Inspire Exercise May Backfire

A new Australian study suggests an Instagram movement to promote better health is flawed. Researchers discovered the images associated with an online program appear to make many women feel worse about themselves and their bodies rather than inspiring them to exercise.
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Millions of men in the UK affected by body image issues – Mental Health Foundation survey

Millions of men in the UK have struggled with body image issues according to findings published by the Mental Health Foundation. Click here to read article

Many over 55s feel negative about their body image new Mental Health Foundation survey finds

Many over 55s have feelings of negativity and anxiety about the way their body looks according to a new online survey published today by the Mental Health Foundation.  Click here to read article

Fat shaming linked to greater health risks

Body shaming is a pervasive form of prejudice, found in cyber bullying, critiques of celebrities’ appearances, at work and school, and in public places for everyday Americans. People who are battling obesity face being stereotyped as lazy, incompetent, unattractive, lacking willpower, and to blame for their excess weight. The pain of these messages may take a toll on health and increase risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease, according to a new study.

Body Image Problems Tied to Alcohol Issues

Read about new research linking body image misconceptions among teen-aged girls with alcohol consumption.

Notably, teen girls who report and act on body image confusion have an increased risk of heavy drinking than girls of the same age without body image misperceptions.