Health Tip: Negative Body Image Can Affect Your Health

Here's how

Related Encyclopedia • Autism • Bipolar Disorder • Death and Grieving • Dementia More... Related Healthscout Videos Video Games Boost Brain Power Stop Stuttering for Good PTSD: The War Within Women Gadgets Stealing ZZZ's! More... Related Drug Information • Adderal XR • Concerta • Effexor XR • Paxil More... Related News Articles • Best Friend Benefits Child's Mind, Body, Study Finds • John, Mary, Joe: Simpler Names May Help You Get Ahead • Most Teens Who Self-Harm Are Not Evaluated for Mental Health in ER • HIV Severity, Treatment Unrelated to Kids' Mental Woes: Study More...

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

Text Continues Below

---

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.

-- Diana Kohnle