Medicines for Body image concerns

What it is

Body image is how a person thinks, feels, and perceives their own body and appearance. Everyone has a body image, and it can be positive, negative, or mixed, and can change over time. Negative body image — being dissatisfied with, overly critical of, or distressed about one’s appearance — is common, and can affect people of any age and gender. It can be influenced by many factors, including messages from society, media and social media, comments from others, past experiences, and personal and emotional factors. Negative body image can affect confidence and self-esteem, mood, relationships, and behaviour — for example leading to avoidance of certain activities or situations, preoccupation with appearance, or unhelpful behaviours around eating or exercise. While some dissatisfaction with appearance is common and not necessarily a problem, more significant or persistent body image concerns can affect mental health and wellbeing, and are linked with conditions such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and body dysmorphic disorder (a condition in which a person becomes preoccupied with perceived flaws in their appearance). It is therefore important to recognise when body image concerns are affecting wellbeing or behaviour, and to know that support is available. The encouraging message is that body image can be improved — through self-compassion, changing unhelpful patterns, reducing harmful influences, and support — and that professional help is available and effective for more significant concerns, including eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorder, which are treatable.

How it is treated

Improving body image and addressing body image concerns involves building a kinder, more balanced relationship with one’s body, reducing harmful influences, and seeking support where needed. Helpful approaches include: practising self-compassion and challenging critical or negative thoughts about appearance; focusing on what the body can do and on health and wellbeing rather than only on appearance; being mindful of and reducing exposure to harmful influences, such as unrealistic media or social media content and comparisons, and curating a more positive and realistic online environment; engaging in enjoyable activities and building self-worth from a range of sources beyond appearance; and talking about how you feel with someone you trust. Because body image concerns can be linked with mental health conditions, it is important to seek help — from a GP or appropriate service — if body image concerns are significantly affecting your mood, confidence, daily life, relationships, eating or behaviour, or if there are signs of an eating disorder (such as restrictive eating, preoccupation with weight or food, or unhealthy behaviours to control weight) or body dysmorphic disorder (preoccupation with perceived flaws that causes significant distress). These conditions are treatable, and talking therapies and specialist support are effective. Support is also available from mental health and eating disorder charities. It is especially important to seek help promptly if there are signs of an eating disorder, as early treatment improves recovery. The reassuring message is that negative body image is common and can be improved through self-compassion, healthier habits, and reducing harmful influences, and that effective professional help is available for more significant concerns — so it is worth reaching out.