Body Image For Men & Women

What is “body image” and who is it more of a problem for today – Men or Women?

Photos of (heart throb) Gerard Butler were taken last year when he was vacationing on a beach. He had apparently lost that ‘six pack’ all his lady fans admired and the paparazzi took advantage of it to share with the world. He looked like an average guy to me, but everyone made a big deal about it. Vince Vaughn also had his share of scrutinizing about his weight while he was dating Jennifer Aniston.

~Muscles are back in style, but not in bulk thank God. It’s all about looking fit, not oversized~

When you are a leading man or sex symbol you will “take the body image heat,” much more than if you are someone like Drew Carrey or Seth Rogan who are known for their humor first. Interestingly enough, both of these actors have recently whittled down a few sizes & are now entering a different category ~ Sexy!

There is so much pressure when you are in the public eye on a continual basis. People like Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, Courtney Love & even Oprah are constantly dissected about how they look! Is it any wonder they always seemed distressed to the general public? No one leaves them alone for a minute. People say that if you are in the public eye you are fair game to criticism, who made up that nasty rule? Everyone has feelings & the old expression “names will never hurt you” is total crap.

It has a new name now~ Bullying.

One of the most popular TV reality shows is The Biggest Loser & I am surprised how many men watch it. They are curious. Times have changed and men have a reputation & body image to uphold just as women always have. (I think it is great to have the company LOL.) Maybe with everyone feeling a little bit of the pressure, it will be talked about less over time? Not a chance, wishful thinking on my part…

Both sexes of all ages are affected with body image. There are so many overweight children now due to the inactivity of their lives. Computer games & technology has made our kids lazy unless their parents get them involved in sports. Pressure to fit in at school with all the trends is overwhelming for many. It was easier way back when, I had a choice of Lee or Levi in my closet and Facebook was a note passed back & forth in the classroom.

Some teenage girls are now getting breast implants for graduation gifts from their parents and other plastic surgeries are happening younger and younger now. Botox is used before the age of 30 & anorexia isn’t a thing of the past unfortunately. I know a guy who recently had calf implants! I would really like to say that we are on our way to a less body conscious world, but the statistics are not showing the changes & now men have joined the ranks. It’s not going away anytime soon…

Sybersue’s Message: ~Compliment someone everyday for the rest of your life~