Body image, self-esteem and health

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We rarely see an overweight actor cast as an action hero or femme fatale in any Hollywood blockbuster. We only see physically “perfect” bodies – often further enhanced by makeup, lighting, and computer generated imagery. And when that “perfect” movie star gains even a small amount of weight, he or she may be mercilessly bullied in the media; they are hounded and hurt because they look, well, like us!

This societal obsession with what is a narrow definition of physical perfection can take its toll on our self-esteem and mental health. If our body type, weight or appearance does not conform to this rigid standard, social prejudices can make us unhappy with ourselves or even depressed. In fact, only four percent of women around the world describe themselves as beautiful.

Youth are especially vulnerable to unrealistic body types displayed in magazines, websites, music videos, movies and TV shows. Eating disorders continue to plague girls (and a rising numbers of boys), and more young men are resorting to steroids to achieve the six-pack abs and impressive biceps of their celebrity heroes.

It’s time to hit the reset button and focus on our health, not the scales, and not what the fashion and entertainment pages tell us. And that begins with an understanding of what a healthy weight is.

Normal is normal

In reality, many celebrities and models are not a healthy weight. They can be dangerously underweight, putting their physical and emotional health at risk trying to maintain super-lean bodies through starvation diets, extreme exercising, as well as smoking and substance abuse to decrease their appetite. Whether too thin or too heavy – both pose health risks.

While an extra few pounds is no cause for concern, carrying more weight does increase our risks of developing certain health conditions, including:

• diabetes
• high blood pressure
• heart disease and stroke
• osteoarthritis
• gallbladder disease and gallstones
• gout
• breathing problems such as sleep apnea (when a person stops breathing for a short time during sleep) and asthma
• certain cancers

Our mental health may also suffer. Being overweight can cause depression and damage our self-esteem. Hence the more weight we carry, the greater the risks to our physical and emotional health.

Those of us who feel we are too heavy can take solace in the fact that we’re not alone. In fact, one in four Canadians are considered overweight. But when are we considered overweight? How do we know if those few extra pounds we’re carrying are nothing to worry about or if they pose health risks?  Most doctors and nutritionists use the BMI – Body Mass Index – to determine if someone’s weight is within a healthy range.

How to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body Mass Index is obtained from a calculation using your height and weight. The formula is BMI = kg/m² where kg is your weight in kilograms and m² is your height in metres squared. There are also plenty of BMI calculators available online, including on the Canadian Diabetes Association site.