Health Tip: Negative Body Image Can Affect Your Health

Here's how

July 8, 2009 RSS Feed Print

(HealthDay News) -- Your body image describes your appearance and the way you see yourself.

This isn't a superficial concept, warns Planned Parenthood. The group says a negative body image, if severe enough, can:

Increase your risk of depression and anxiety.
Trigger feelings of low self-esteem.
Make it difficult for you to concentrate.
Lead you to engage in risky behavior.
Lead to social isolation.
Spawn mental health issues, such as an eating disorder.
Lead you to avoid a healthy lifestyle, including eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise.