Issue Paper- Eng 201

English 106

Cindy Drummond

February 19, 2012

Abstract

A healthy lifestyle, proper eating, and a continuous exercise program are essential to maintain weight and decrease health problems. Men and women, young and old, doubt their appearances and at one time or another and can pick something out about the way they look that is unappealing to them. Media surrounds our society with beautiful models, perfectly unblemished, and unnatural looking toys, that eventually, many people compare themselves to the “perfect body”. Body image has become an obsession and many lose sight of the real goal and allow an addiction to set in. Some refuse to eat, while others purge after eating. Additionally, there are those who become addicted to exercising in an effort to punish one for eating. This obsession with body image and feeling that there is a normal and acceptable appearance is the exact contrast to a healthy lifestyle. Too often people value their self-worth according to their appearance alone. The effects can be devastating, if not fatal in the long run.

The Perfect Body or the Road to an Addiction

In a society that is overwhelmed with vanity and images, a large focus is directly toward body image. In many cases, people base their self-worth because of their body image and appearance. A fine line separates a healthy and active lifestyle from an obsession or addiction to having the preconceived perfect body. Who knows what that perfect body looks like? Is it the body of a model or an athlete? How can one determine the “perfect” size, or obtain the “perfect” look? When people generally think of body image, weight is most often the focus; however, many go through painful and costly procedures to gain a particular look – for beauty or youthful appearances.

A healthy lifestyle should include healthy eating habits and the proper proportion of exercise. Teaching proper eating habits at a young age often have positive outcomes for future eating....