Mirror, Mirror

What controls how you feel about your body? Is it what you eat, how much you exercise, pictures on social media, your old gym teacher? Or is it you?

Despite our best efforts to see ourselves differently, the world around us plays a significant role in body image. From a young age, children are bombarded with images of a “perfect, healthy” body, with little variation from the norm. Girls should be slim with no belly fat while maintaining hourglass curves; the ideal boy will grow up to be tall, broad-shouldered and muscular. 

Many students struggle to reconcile the reality of their bodies to an unattainable image. Five of Liberty’s girls have decided to share how this battle has affected their lives. Five athletes, scholars and leaders are embarking on an everyday journey to break past idealism and love themselves. View Their Stories Below.

If you or someone you know may be struggling with an eating disorder, please call the NEDA helpline: 1-800-931-2237

For more information- 

National Eating Disorder Association: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

Further reading: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/body-image