Body image
...ody image is influenced by how people around her react to her body and how she looks. A pre-adolescent becomes increasingly aware of what society’s standards are for the “ideal body”. Anorexia nervosa is the third most common chronic illness in developed societies. And unfortunately it isn’t just about being underweight, weak and chronically sick – 20 per cent of sufferers will die from the condition. For Alex, 17, the pressure of body image started when she was as young as 10. She vividly remembers feeling self-conscious at that young age. I was always so self-conscious at swimming carnivals, having to walk around in my swimming costume. Now I think that’s scary- you shouldn’t be worrying about how you look in swimmers when you’re in primary school!” Alex says that she has never been happy with her looks and wanted to improve them. Alex was in Year 4 the first time she threw up after eating. Towards the end of year 8. Alex started having problems with school friends, which sent her into a deep depression. Which then turned i...