Workshop on Body Image: Creating or Reinventing a Positive Body Image.

This paper examines the culturization of body image and the impact of body image on women and men, noting that the strict definition of body size has made many women and men dissatisfied with their bodies. The first section defines body image and culturization, explaining how the current media images put tremendous pressure on men and women that was less present throughout history. The second section examines historical changes in body image, noting that historically, the standard for beauty in women and men has varied significantly. The third section discusses the importance of a good body image and how it relates to overall self-esteem and self-confidence. The fourth section focuses on body image distortion, explaining that a distorted body image means that the individual perceives him or herself to weigh more or be larger than actual measurements. The fifth section presents practical implications, in the form of questions and answers, related to losing weight, self-esteem, dieting, fat consumption, reasons to measure weight or percent fat, and improving body image. (Contains 29 references.) (SM)