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All you need to know about self-esteem and how you look

Body image could affect self-esteem. Here is all you need to know about loving your body no matter how you look.

But the reality on the ground is that, it is not always easy to like every part of your looks. And when you focus all your attention on the negatives, it can weigh you down and affect your self-esteem. Self-esteem is all about how people feel about themselves and their worth to the society at large. Feeling good about yourself can affect your mental health and behaviour at large.

Body image on the other hand is how a person sees, thinks and feels about their physical appearances. It is the number one concern of many young people lately. Even so, one is expected to have a fair knowledge about the various body shapes for both male and female before paying too much attention to themselves.

These body shapes include; Apple, Pear, Hourglass, Banana and Strawberry for women and Mesomorph, Ectomorph and Endomorph for men.

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The Apple shape has a wider stomach region than the hip section while the pear shape has a wider hip section than the upper body.

The banana shape has the hip, waist and shoulder sections relatively similar. The hourglass shape has a narrower waist than the chest region due to the breast and a narrower hip region due to the width of the buttocks and the strawberry shape has a wider breast and a relatively small buttocks.

Endomorphs or curved shape on the other hand find it very easy to gain weight. A large portion of their weight is fats not muscle. Ectomorphs however find it very hard to gain weight and have fast metabolism which burns up calories very quickly.

We interviewed some individuals asking them whether their body image affects their self-esteem, though we have provided anonymity for their own protection.

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“In our society women who are fat are assumed to be gluttons so most people want to slim down so they do not bare that title. I struggle to get my dress size so I’m mostly not confident in whatever I wear.”

Some people become subjects of public ridicule. People who are ‘fat’ are often times mocked at one point in time.

“Yes it does affect my self-esteem. I don’t go to certain occasion because I’m afraid people will not accept me as I am. I have been to places where some young ladies literally laughed their intestines out because of my looks so I don’t even go out anymore. As it is now I have started exercising to lose some weight.”

Others are proud of their looks and will gladly flaunt it always.

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“I cherish my pot belly and I’m proud of it. #TeamPotBelly and proud! #SixPackIsOverrated”.

Having certain body image is due to genetic factor and there is little one can do about it.

“How I am and look like is due to genetic factors. It runs through my family so I’m proud of it”.

Some people feel admired, cared for and appreciated.

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“I am happy being slim and wouldn’t like to be fat but if I were fat, my self-esteem would not be affected. It is my personality that matters. Being fat is only a secular perception”.

“As you can see, I am fat and I’m proud about it. Anytime I go out I feel accepted and respected because I don’t give people the impression that I love my body shape any less. This is how I am and I will not change it for any reason. Not for all the treasure in the world”.

People with high self-esteem have an idea about themselves and are mostly in control of their lives. However a person’s looks is only a small part of who they are. A lot of people especially women struggle with their self-esteem and body image because they feel their society does not accept them.

In order to be accepted by others it is necessary to work on your self-esteem by loving your body image. Stand in a mirror and talk to yourself every morning before stepping out of your home.

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