Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Best Tips for Improving Body Image?

Alex Paul
Alex Paul

There are a number of techniques and tips for improving body image. Reducing how often a person steps on a scale to check his or her weight, for example, is a good way of preventing the person’s mood from being linked to weight. Other tips include exercising regularly, only wearing clothes in which one feels comfortable, and not trying to look like the people in magazines, because the photos are usually edited to appear perfect.

An important part of improving body image is to stop looking at the scales. Many people have a habit of checking their scales regularly, but this isn’t necessary unless there are issues with weight. People who are underweight or overweight have a legitimate reason for regularly using scales, but constant weight tracking can otherwise cause problems with self-image. Restricting how often a person uses scales, or avoiding them entirely, can quickly improve body image.

A healthy body image is the positive and realistic perception of the size and shape of one's body.
A healthy body image is the positive and realistic perception of the size and shape of one's body.

It is thought that the increasing popularity of celebrity magazines has made it difficult for people trying to improve their self-image. The men and women in magazines are often said to have the perfect body when, in reality, a huge amount of makeup, professional lighting and even airbrushing goes into producing such a photo. This is true for both men and women. This means an important tip for improving body image is to stop trying to achieve the same body as those seen in a magazine.

Jogging provides an aerobic workout.
Jogging provides an aerobic workout.

Exercising regularly can be very effective at improving body image. Jogging, going to the gym or playing sports can burn calories and put a person back in control of his or her own body image. People with self-image problems often feel the way they look is beyond their control, when this is not the case. Exercise also releases endorphins to keep a person in a more positive frame of mind, resulting in an improved self-image.

Exercise provides both a physical and mental boost to body image.
Exercise provides both a physical and mental boost to body image.

There are a variety of other tips for improving body image. Regularly thinking positive thoughts about body image can help some people to become more confident about how they look. Similarly, making a list of all the things that make a person feel good can have the same effect. Other tips include avoiding negative talk, eating healthily and wearing clothes in which the person is comfortable. A person who is trying to improve body image should avoid clothes that are trendy if they aren’t comfortable wearing them.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A healthy body image is the positive and realistic perception of the size and shape of one's body.
      By: Schlierner
      A healthy body image is the positive and realistic perception of the size and shape of one's body.
    • Jogging provides an aerobic workout.
      By: Martinan
      Jogging provides an aerobic workout.
    • Exercise provides both a physical and mental boost to body image.
      By: Maridav
      Exercise provides both a physical and mental boost to body image.
    • Getting to a healthy weight can improve a person's body image.
      By: trekandphoto
      Getting to a healthy weight can improve a person's body image.
    • Regular fitness can improve a person's body image.
      By: michaeljung
      Regular fitness can improve a person's body image.
    • Exercising regularly can be effective at improving body image.
      By: Minerva Studio
      Exercising regularly can be effective at improving body image.
    • Regularly thinking positive thoughts about body image can help some people become more confident about how they look.
      By: spotmatikphoto
      Regularly thinking positive thoughts about body image can help some people become more confident about how they look.