body self respect

I am a University student conducting a study on body image,  the effects media, personality, family as well as others have on our thoughts about dieting and our self image.this is for my own purpose of interest and is confidential.Body image is how you see yourself in the mirror/ mind, what you believe about your appearance, how you feel about your body(weight, shape,height), and how you sense and control your body as you move i.e. how you feel in your body not just about your body.

The desire for thinness among women is so prevalent that it is identified as a "normative discontent" (Rodin et al, 1985). 42% of 1st -3rd grade girls want to be thinner ( collins, 1991). 81% of 10 year old girls are afraid of being fat( Mellin et al., 1991)and report this is a greater fear than parents dying.

The average American woman is 5'4" and weighs 140lbs, the average model is 5'11" and weighs 117lbs. Media content-  ideal body image promoted for females is: young,, extremely thin, long-legged, tall, an image that is impossible for most women to achieve. The ideal body image for males: young, lean, muscled, 6-pack abdomen, broad shoulders and narrow waist, image may be achievable if genetically endowed and through unhealthy means.

So many of us are taking this image of the perfect body to an unhealthy level, i as well am guilty of this in previous years. The idea that should be promoted is everything in moderation, instead of litterally killing ourselves to get to this much sought out "ideal".Being healthy is best, in my opinion. My question to you, is how far are you willing to let your desire to be "ideal" affect your own personal health and everyday living? Comments please!

Personally, I am not seeking any "ideal" by someone else's standards - only trying not to die before my time. My desire to lose weight was driven more by risk factors for heart disease than trying to look like Angelina Jolie.

I think we are all designed to naturally weigh a certain, comfortable amount. Our skeletons are designed to carry our weight a certain way without undue stress. That's what I was looking for. Although I have lost what i wanted to, I am not "perfect" except that I am perfectly healthy! So, to answer your question, my desire to be "ideal" only affects my personal health and every day living in a very positive way.

Now, if you asked me this several decades ago, my answer would be different!

Ok to answer your question...I am not doing it for someone elses approval I am doing it for me...and dont care what others really think...on the question you asked any lifestyle change to become healthy will effect your everyday living (from what it was)...if it didnt then you would have no change.

I've been on these boards for about 6 months now. The ones who seem to stick around AND have the best results seem to be the ones promoting and living the healthiest lifestyles. They make convincing arguments to those who are on the fence that weight loss can be achieved by healthy means, within healthy calorie parameters. I would say the prevailing attitude here is health over thinness.

Other sites I've been to encourage weight loss at all costs.

This is the most I've ever lost-40lbs- and I'm now in maintenence mode. It has been very important to me to be  a good role model for my children, especially my daughters,  on how I go about achieving weight loss. My weight is good. My health is good. I am strong. These are good messages for my kids and I think they supercede anything they see on TV or read in a book or magazine. 

I've chosen a healthy route this time and I'm very pleased with the results.

Thanks for the replies! It sounds like all of you have set good healthy boundaries and guildlines for yourselves. great! keep up the good work!

Comments edited out:

OP poster was looking for responses from women.

My apologies.