i think society's definition of beauty is far too stereotypical. you don't have to be thin to be pretty. everyone is beautiful in their own way. besides, no matter what you may look like now, 50 years down the road that's going to be gone. inner beauty is far more important in my opinion.

I sometimes worry about the stuff I eat, but it's 99% because of the stuff I'm imagining in my body, not the way my body appears to others.  Sure, having fat isn't desirable, but it's natural, and I wouldn't have it any other way.  I'll exercise my ass off one day, and I'll be happy with whatever I get, because this is me.  Who cares how beautiful magazine models are?  Most of the time, they're airbrushed, anyway.  Flawless skin?  Tch.  Absolutely flat tummy?  How many lies can you tell?

It's ridiculous the way media has hyped up the importance of being skinny.  Well guess what, media?  "Skinny" has a NEGATIVE CONNOTATION, DANG IT.  Are visible ribs attractive?  To a dog, maybe; that's good eatin', baby.  It's also terrible that kids think that these models are beautiful because they: 1. are 3/4 naked and have smooth skin (lalala, airbrush, lalala), and 2. are tall and too slim. 

I mean, I've never let myself starve because I wanted to be "beautiful" like the models; the thought never even crossed my mind until people told me about this disorder.  Still, just because I don't do it doesn't mean others don't, obviously, and it's sad to know.

And, anyway, the skinny people in real life have fat, too.  I wish people would remember that.  They might seem like they have extremely flat tummies and no flaws whatsoever, but they do.  Stomachs naturally stick out, unless you have that magical gene that keeps it flat (in which case, bravo.  But I'm hoping you're healthy).

Okay, end rant.  Haha.

You are inspirational. I just thought you'd like to know.

I have struggled with body image for my entire life.
My sister had an eating disorder and I had to watch.
My doctor had be on adderall and I became addicted to the side effects.
Being a size four and still having boobs and having guys look at me like I was all they wanted...it was addicting.

Until someone took advantage of my naive and vulnerable being just because of my body.

After
that, I took myself off my medicine and was in my first serious
relationship. We were together for 3 years and still talk on a daily
basis.

I finally realized that it's not your outer image that
people are attracted to, but rather your confidence and respect for
yourself.

From an early age and up till now, society has taunted me with my outer appearance, convincing me that I am an ugly person. I grew up bearing the pain of Eczema, and still it has not grown out of my system. As a child, the minds of others enthralled me, wondering why every other child kept their distance from me as if I had a deadly disease. As time went on their distances became dirty looks, mocks and discriminatory actions. This made me feel extremely insecure about myself. Also due to the fact that I have Eczema, I am also allergic to many foods, as during a child it was very limited to what I ate. I ended up eating alot of "unhealthy" foods (since i'm allergic to eggs, wheat, seafood, any kind of nuts etc.), causing me to grow a bit wide. But clearly i was unaware of that time (since i was so young) of what was good or bad to eat, or even what was really happening to me.

I have scaly blotchy red skin that overrides strech marks from being kind of chubby. :| As you can say this is kind of "double trouble" of looking, fat and "ugly" because of my Ezcema.

Perhaps during my younger years i have manipulated myself to think "why can't i be beautiful like my friends?" Not only my friends, but models as Media shows us. I wanted to be beautful like those models, silky smooth fair glowing skin and such a nice slim figure that complimented who they were and such.

But sadly, i still feel very self conscious about myself

Being a girl of now 17, and in highschool; being surrounded by tons of beautiful teenagers that not only have beautiful skin, and a slimming body but a beautiful face and a good sence of fashion, surely puts pressure upon me. I feel as if i don't fit in, since i'm not good looking like they are.

Then again, i should be happy with what i have, not being obease, or not having cancer or whatnot. Although it's very hard. Haha, i just wish i was satisfied with who i am.

No.

that is sooo sad. i've been self-concious before and wanted to "diet" to look better but i'm addicted to food! so i eat what i want and exercise daily. i try not to obsess over models in fashion.

media really does taint the way people see reality. unfortunately, the perception process can get muddled by media. i used to weigh 160 when i was in junior high. i was a zepplin. now i weigh 128. i freak out if i go over 130 because i'm afraid to look fat again. i can't help it. people say i'm pretty  but i still struggle with self acceptance. i won't let myself go over 130. is that normal?

@caller_ai_dee@xanga - yeah. : )

"Kiss my beautiful, size 10, healthy ass."

AMEN.

Fuck the media.

They portray unrealistic expectations for young women.
Not only are these 'models' and 'role models' and 'celebrities' airbrushed to hell, they are dangerously underweight as well.
I'd rather be healthy thank you.