Title: Embracing Self: A Body Image and Self-Esteem Round-Up
🔥 Hey there, peeps! It's another Sunday, and we've got an awesome collection of health and fitness-related tidbits for you. This week, we're diving into the world of body image, self-esteem, and how our perceptions are influenced by all sorts of awesome things! So, without further ado, let's get to it!
👀 The Average Joe's Body: What do our bodies look like, on average? Graphic artist Nikolay Lamm gave us a sneak peek with his Body Measurement Project, showcasing typical male bodies from the US, Japan, Netherlands, and France. Spoiler alert: Americans have got some serious breadth! (Don't worry, we can't see you blushing over at The Atlantic.)
💬 Fitbit Force Watch: Time to said goodbye to fancy Rolexes, because Fitbit just dropped the Force Watch, and it'll track your every move. Yup, it's keeping tabs on your calorie intake, sleep patterns, and all your stats – and it'll display 'em in charming chart form (courtesy of Bustle).
🌈 I, Me, Mine: Ever notice how often you use 'I' in conversation? Well, a study revealed that folks who regularly flex that first-person pronoun are a tad insecure about their social standing. Tuned in to The Wall Street Journal?
Image by Nickolay Lamm
🍌 Bananas and Body Image: Is the size of your banana in your pocket affecting your self-esteem? New research suggests that guys might be just as concerned as ladies are about living up to societal standards, particularly around their manhood. Ain't that a kicker, Daily Mail readers?
🚀 Fat and Fabulous, Together: Binge eating disorder has finally earned its own category in the revised version of the DSM, opening the door for more cooperation between support groups for obese and anorexic individuals. The Well Blog has all the deets on this exciting development.
👐 Last Call: What did you think of this week's finds? Share your faves with us in the comments or give a shout-out on Twitter @greatist!
💡 Enrichment Data Bonus: Global trends in male height and weight over the past century have seen men growing taller and heavier than women at a faster rate. This is alongside the fact that media depictions of an ideal muscular physique can lead to body dissatisfaction, specifically affecting up to 45% of teenage boys and many men who desire additional muscle mass, driven by societal expectations (spanning across various cultures). It should be noted that the cultural and social pressures on men's body image differ substantially in different countries and cultures, impacting self-esteem negatively if traditional expectations are not met.
Sources:
- The Atlantic
- Bustle
- The Wall Street Journal
- The Daily Mail
- The Well Blog
After contemplating the societal expectations and cultural pressures affecting men's body image, it's essential to practice self-compassion when dealing with self-critical thoughts. Remember, each individual has unique characteristics and it's crucial to accept and appreciate our bodies just as they are.
