How we see ourselves
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Women can often feel judged by their looks, the way they dress or the way they act. This is not really surprising given the way women are shown in magazines and on television.
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Many young women feel unhappy about the way they look and with their weight, usually because they think they are too fat. Some research says that 76% of high school girls are unhappy with their weight and shape. Even some girls in primary schools go on diets. It is important to know that diets hardly ever help and in the long run diets may even increase your weight.
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The bottom line is:
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- bottoms, hips, breasts and curves are normal and necessary for all women
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- women come in all shapes and sizes
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- the best way to look and feel your best is to:
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- eat food that is tasty and good
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Our changing bodies
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A woman's body is changing shape all the time, at different times of the month, through pregnancy and after having a baby and depending whether you choose to breastfeed or bottle feed.
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Some of the changes may feel strange and disturbing, others may feel really good. In pregnancy, of course, the changes are greater because the body is working hard to grow a baby while keeping the body well. This is all part of turning a woman into a mother, though inside she is still herself. There are more changes to come after the baby is born as the body adjusts to motherhood. The changes are very different for different women. Some women may gain weight, others lose weight. The main thing is to accept the changes and feel comfortable about yourself.
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If you want to know more about the changes that happen to your body during pregnancy or after, or if you want to know what is best to eat during pregnancy or how to stay in shape, there are places you can go to for help and advice. The community midwife, Dietitian, or Community Health Nurse at your local Community Health Centre may be able to help. You can also talk to your regional Women's Health Service. If you are attending hospital outpatients, you can ask the midwife or doctor to refer you to a dietitian or social worker.
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If you, or someone you know is having problems with their body image (for example anorexia nervosa or bulimia), you can ring the Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa Foundation of Victoria
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