AUSTRALIAN STUDY

In a recent study, it was noted that Australians are more obsessed about their looks than their Asian counterparts (the link to the article is attached). The study indicated that Australian youth are seven times more likely to suffer from body image issues than Asian youth. A separate study found high rates of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (a reverse anorexia where man often believe that they have less muscles than they actually do) amongst Australian male gym users. One study attributed the body image issues to the Western world’s obsession to lookism and the value that is placed on physical attractiveness over intellectuality.

There are have been numerous studies that have compared and analyzed how different countries grapple with issues such as attraction, body image, and eating. Most of them simply validate that which the researcher already suspected – Western nations have higher rates of body image issues and eating disorders. However, interesting data is surfacing in those countries that are slowly becoming more “westernized.” As Western media and physical ideologies infiltrate the new markets so do some dysfunctional behaviors such as eating disorders and body dysmorphia. However, total blame cannot be placed on the media alone. It is a mistake to think that media is the sole contributor to the eating and body image issues affecting many women and men (young and old). Certainly, the media is an important facet but a multitude of people are exposed to the images portrayed in the media and not all that are exposed develop eating disorders and body image issues.

For example, I am certainly not into pop culture and do not surround myself in the latest tabloids featuring celebrity news. Nor do I follow any of the popular television or movies. I am quite out of the loop compared to my friends and co-workers, who often have to take five minutes out of their conversation to update me on some celebrity mishap that I haven’t a clue about. I am not at all concerned with the Hollywood scene and rarely do I ever pick up a non-academic magazine. Yet, I still have body image issues and feel the effects of the images that are posted by various media sources. Yes, media is a vital component, but so are familial background, personal experiences, genetics and early relationships with people, food and objects. Each facet will give an indication as to how a person has come to relate with the external world and how they have come to perceive and relate to themselves.

What are your thoughts? I would really like to know.

Stay well, MBI