Body image

Let's just put it out there right away: no one should be expected to look a certain way and there's no such thing as a 'perfect' or 'normal' body. What you see online and on social media have usually been digitally altered, sometimes significantly, so it's different to what you might look like in real life. These influences on body image mean that as a young adult or teen, body image can be a particularly stressful area to navigate.

The resources here can help you understand your own body, overcome body image issues and help you feel happy, healthy and embrace body neutrality.

girl sitting on her bed looking at camera

Understanding body image

Body image is just the way you think about your physical self. If you have unhealthy body image, that’s okay– there are ways to help.

Girl walking through hallway

Body dysmorphic disorder

If you hate something about your body and these feelings are interfering with your everyday life, you may have body dysmorphic disorder.

5 ways to give compliments

5 ways to give compliments that aren't about a person's looks

Here’s how you can give people meaningful compliments that don’t reinforce ideas about how they’re meant to look.

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Guys and body image

Although girls and women stereotypically experience body image issues, it’s becoming increasingly common among guys.

Illustration of three men, one holding a cat, one with a tennis racket, and one smiling in a coat and scarf, against a pink background.

3 gay men reflect on their body image

Negative body image can affect anyone. Hear the stories of 3 young gay men, giving advice to their younger selves.

aboriginal sistergirl with short hair stands in front of a brick wall

How Felicia Foxx learnt to deal with her body image issues

Felicia Foxx shares her body image struggles and how she has come to accept herself.

Photo of a group of four young people walking outdoors in a park smiling and looking at each other like they're in the middle of a conversation.

Understanding what it means to be intersex

Here's your introductory guide to understanding intersex people and the challenges they may face day to day.

Image of a pink-haired teen sitting on the steps outside their home and looking at their phone. Their service dog sits at their side.

Understanding gender dysphoria

We spoke with a clinical psychologist and four young trans people to learn more about what gender dysphoria is and how to cope with it.

Bad skin

Taking care of yourself while living with bad skin

Do you know how to treat yourself kindly while you’re living with bad skin?

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Being bigger doesn’t mean being unhealthy

Recently, a large amount of scientific evidence has suggested that it’s possible to be healthy at any size.

aboriginal woman smiling in front of a brick wall

Garra's story of recovering from an eating disorder

Garra shares her experience of recovering from an eating disorder as an Aboriginal woman.

roxys story

Roxy's story of overcoming negative body image

Roxy shares her story of overcoming negative body image to feel more confident, comfortable and body positive.

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ConfidenceCoping skillsExercise and eating well

Frequently asked questions about body image

Body image is how you see, think and feel about your body. It covers how you see yourself in the mirror, but it goes much deeper than that. Body image includes your thoughts about your height, weight, and shape, as well as how strong or capable you feel in your body. Your self-image can change from day to day based on your mood and your surroundings. Learn more about body image.

Negative body image happens when you feel unhappy or ashamed of your body. You might spend a lot of time picking out flaws or comparing yourself to people online. Negative body image can significantly impact your overall happiness and daily functioning. This can make you feel like your worth depends completely on your looks. The good news is that you can challenge these thoughts. Try focusing on what your body can actually do instead of just how it looks. Read more about managing negative body image.

Your body image matters because it can affect your everyday mood and happiness. When you feel good about your body, you feel more confident and ready to try new things. You are also more likely to take care of your health and hang out with friends. Struggling with your body image can make it harder to enjoy life, which can lead to stress and loneliness. Working on a healthy body image is a great way to practice self-care. Learn more about body image.

Many different things shape how you feel about your body. We know that children as young as 4 are already forming ideas about body image. Social media and ads often show unrealistic body types that are hard to match. Comments from friends, family members, or classmates can also stick with you. Role models in your life such as parents, relatives can also subconsciously have an impact. Going through puberty, playing sports, and your cultural background all play a part too. Knowing what triggers these feelings lets you change your habits, like unfollowing accounts that bring you down. Learn more about body image.

Body image struggles alone do not always cause depression, but the two are strongly connected. Feeling low about parts of your body that you cannot control, and feeling that how you look is tied closely with your self worth, can certainly cause intense sadness or hopelessness about life in general. If your thoughts about your body stop you from enjoying your favorite activities, it is time to talk to someone. You deserve support when things get heavy. Learn more about body image.

Your body image and your self-esteem are tied together. Liking your physical self usually gives your confidence a big boost. On the flip side, worrying about your looks can make you feel like you are failing at school or sports too. Improving your self-esteem is not about changing your body. It’s about learning to value yourself for who you are. Learn how to boost your self-esteem.

Yes, body image can have a huge impact on your headspace. Being preoccupied by your appearance can lead to severe anxiety, eating habits that feel out of control, or pulling away from friends. Taking care of your body image is a powerful way to protect your mental health. Learn more about body image.

Negative body image becomes a problem when it stops you from living your normal life, and can very quickly escalate into serious mental health and physical illnesses. Warning signs include skipping meals, avoiding hangouts with friends, or spending hours obsessing over your reflection. You do not have to wait for a crisis to ask for help. There are plenty of steps you can take toward feeling better whenever you feel ready. Learn more about body image.