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Body ImageWomen's Health Information PackageDefinitionBody image refers to the experiences, thoughts and feelings we have in relation to our body. It arises from an individual's experience of the world. This influences the development of their perceptions, beliefs and feelings of how their body looks in relation to others. Body image may be generally positive or negative (often referred to as body dissatisfaction). Being teased about your weight or shape, or trying to achieve a look that is impossible for most, may lead to body dissatisfaction. When body dissatisfaction impacts on health and wellbeing, support is required and available. 
About the information resourcesBody image arises from an individual's experience of the world. This influences the development of their perceptions, beliefs and feelings of how their body looks in relation to others. The resources on body image contained in this information package were compiled following an extensive search of Women's Health Victoria 's (WHV) Clearinghouse Resourec Collection database. The resources contain general information relating to body image, eating disorders and the disordered body image. A selection of resources covering specific situations, treatment options and the broader societal perspectives have been included, as have some useful Web addresses and a list of community resources. Included are details of relevant books, journal articles, audiotapes, booklets and web sites that have been independently reviewed by a health professional. The emphasis is on the Australian situation. A social model of health and a feminist approach provide the framework within which information is provided. Some resources include women's personal experiences. All of these resources and a range of others (not listed here) covering many topics from both medical and alternative therapy perspectives are available from the WHV Clearinghouse Resource Centre. A description of how Women's Health Information packages are developed and resources chosen is available here.
General information1. You have to say I'm pretty, you're my mother: how to help your daughter learn to love her body and herself These American authors offer a guide to how teenage girls can be supported in the development of a positive body image through self-esteem and self-confidence. It offers valuable insights into how a teenager's "self-image" evolves. The issues discussed are not specific to the American situation.  2. Looking risky: body image and risk taking behaviours Full text available here A look at body image across the lifecycle of women from childhood to later life, in pregnancy and illness. "Women's body image is affected by a multitude of factors which vary over the lifecycle, and is also affected by disability, illness, indigenous status, ethnicity, sexual orientation and experience of violence." 3. A patient's perspective A woman confronting her body image issue relates the experience of her interactions with and subsequent expectations of the health professionals supporting her. 4. Real gorgeous: the truth about body and beauty This book about fashion, body image and cosmetics, remains as relevant to today's world as when it was written 10 years ago. Written for people of all ages it includes sections on food, dieting, eating disorders and obesity.
Disordered body image5. Information on eating disorders for families, partners and friends This book is aimed at family members or friends of someone who is suspected of having an eating disorder. It provides information and practical strategies for approaching and supporting someone suspected of having an eating disorder. It includes good information about the development and consequences of eating disorders and gives details about getting professional help, providing ongoing support and looking after yourself. 6. Australian and New Zealand anorexia nervosa treatment guide for consumers and carers Full text available here. This guide is aimed at adolescents and adults with, or at risk of, anorexia nervosa and their family members or carers. It is based on current research and aims to assist choices when making decisions about treatment options. It will support all those involved to understand what to expect. 7. All about bulimia nervosa: a booklet for those wanting to know more about bulimia nervosa Full text available here. This updated edition presents the complexities of this eating disorder. It provides a clear and concise perspective as a background to discussion. Although published in the United Kingdom, its text is relevant for those wishing to learn more about the disorder. 8. Body dysmorphic disorder: a fear of imagined ugliness This article is aimed at General Practitioners but could be helpful to those who may be concerned for a family member or friend. It describes the symptoms of this disorder and the treatment available.
Specific situations9. Eating disorders affect older women too This article challenges the assumption that an eating disorder is a young person's disorder. It suggests that older people are neglected when it comes to diagnosis and treatment. 10. What to do when life sucks The authors use extracts from emails, letters and people's stories to discuss openly many issues including body image, self-esteem, eating disorders, loneliness, suicide and depression. The book is well suited to teenage girls and boys providing useful tips for surviving and dealing with difficulties they may face. 11. Eating disorders, fertility and pregnancy: relationships and complications This article is aimed at the health professional. It discusses the complications of fertility and pregnancy caused by eating disorders. It outlines management strategies for these women during pregnancy. 12. The myth of bodily perfection This is a fascinating paper that discusses the development of body image when living with a disability, i.e. from community understanding of "a disability" to be something we can readily identify, as opposed to something we cannot. It discusses how body image arises from within the individual's feelings of self-esteem. It challenges us to "examine our cultural obsession with the myth that bodies can and should be perfect." 13. Body image and mental health A discussion of the relationship between body image, self-esteem and self concept. This article examines how body dissatisfaction may impact on or be a predictor for mental health. 14. Women's healthy living program In this article the author reflects on a program that came about as a direct response to female consumers of a mental health service. They expressed their concerns in respect of body image, particularly in relation to their mental illness and the medication they were required to take. 15. Your face in their hands: cosmetic surgery risks and rewards Though a little dated, this book includes chapters on how to choose a doctor, different facial procedures and possible complications that remain relevant. A concern that body dissatisfaction is increasing demand for cosmetic surgery is an area requiring further research. 16. Looking queer: body image and identity in lesbian, bisexual, gay, and transgender communities A collection of research, stories, poetry and essays that outline the special needs of sexual minorities when dealing with issues emerging from body dissatisfaction.
Broader societal perspective17. Why is body image a public health issue? This is a collection of statistics and supporting references that describe the connection between body image and mental health and body image and physical activity. It provides a short, succinct introduction for people who don't know anything about this issue and highlights the breadth and depth of the problem. This resource would be useful for health practitioners and students, and also teachers and others working with young women. 18. Overweight and obesity: growing problems Full text available here. This article looks at why the weight of the Australian population is increasing, the contributing factors and what is happening to address the situation. 19. Role modelling and children This article comments on the juxtaposition between obesity and eating disorders. It speaks about the influence parents have as role models.
Web sites20.(a) Centre for Excellence for Eating Disorders (CEED) 20.(b) Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria Comprehensive web sites providing good information on eating disorders, treatment options, what to do if you think you have an eating disorder, recovery stories, living with someone who has an eating disorder, information for health practitioners and services offered. 21. 10 things lesbians should discuss with health care providers A useful list of health issues to be considered by lesbians and their health care providers. A government site containing research and best practice program guides which will be of interest to the health professional and general consumer.
Some services available in Victoria1. Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria A non-profit organisation that provides information, support and referral for people experiencing an eating disorder, people who know someone with an eating disorder and any other interested people. Metropolitan callers: (03) 9885 0318 Non-metropolitan callers: 1300 550 236 2. The Butterfly Foundation A non-profit organization established in 2002 to support access to the long-term mental and physical treatment options for those diagnosed with an eating disorder. Web site available for further information.
Languages other than EnglishIf you are looking for information on a variety of health topics in languages other than English try searching:
Free Internet access locationsLocations of free internet access terminals across Victoria are available through this web site: http://www.internet-access.vic.gov.au
Resources reviewed February 2004 For details on how to locate any of this information or to confidentially discuss any of this information, contact your local Women’s Health Service or the RWH Women's Health Information Centre phone line, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm on (03) 9344 2007; Country Callers: 1800 442 007; or email. Health professionals and other service providers wishing to access the services of the WHV Clearinghouse contact us by phone: (03) 9662 3755, fax: (03) 9663 7955; or email. Other resource information on various health topics can be accessed via the Clearinghouse Resource Collection database. Online access is available here.
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YOUR FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT TO US We would encourage you to take a moment to email our Health Information Officer, at clearinghouse@whv.org.au and let us know:
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