Body image issues and/or disorders arise from critical and/or distorted perceptions, attitudes, feelings or thoughts about the body and can be observed in all genders. Body issues can pertain to size, weight, shape, functioning or gender identity. The main type of body image disorders include, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, which includes the subtype of Muscle Dysmorphia or Gender Dysphoria. Some of the common symptoms of having a body image disorder include excessive worry about appearance, holding the belief about having a physical abnormality or defect, frequent body checking in the mirror, feeling very insecure or self-conscious about appearances when out in public or in photographs and a persona making excessive negative comparisons of their body with others. Body image issues can significantly impact on a person’s quality of life and are implicated in the development of behaviours that can lead to eating disorders.
