Teenagers and Body Image
Understanding Body Type and What Genes Have to Do With It
If you dislike certain parts of your body, you're not alone. Everyone has things about themselves they wish they could change. But there are some aspects of your appearance you can realistically change and those you can't - such as your height, body type, facial features, complexion and shoe size.
Body Image and Insecurities
Many teens feel insecure as their body goes through new changes. It's natural to want to feel accepted and attractive and we may compare ourselves to the people around us to see if we 'measure up'. But it’s impossible to set a standard for ourselves because the changes that come with puberty and body types are different for everyone. Some people start to develop early; others blossom later. Some gain weight temporarily as their bodies prepare for a growth spurt, others fill out permanently. And some people seem to stay slender no matter how much they eat.
The media has narrowed the “ideal body” type in television, movies and in most magazines. These images are harmful and misleading because they often use computer technology to alter them. Unfortunately the average person sees over 400 unrealistic advertisements per day and by the time she is 17 years old, she has received over 250,000 commercial messages through the media.
It's All in the Genes
Your body is your own, no matter what shape, size, or color your are. It all depends on how your genes have programmed your body to act.
Genes are made of a substance called DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid. DNA forms a unique and detailed blueprint for your special body plan. Each of our body's various cells contain DNA which determines things you can see - your physical characteristics and things you can't, such as blood type. Your cells are so tiny they are invisible without a microscope. And every cell in your body contains almost 6 feet of DNA, for a total of over 3 billion miles of DNA inside you!
DNA is spiraled together to form structures called chromosomes. Most cells of the body contain 23 pairs of chromosomes making a total of 46. Genes are sections of DNA that are carried on the chromosomes and determine specific human characteristics. Because each parent gives you one chromosome in each pair, you have two of almost every gene. Some characteristics come from a single genes while others come from gene combinations. Because every person has over 25,000 different genes, there are countless combinations, making your DNA your very own unique 'DNA-print'.
Heredity is the passing of genes from one generation to the next. You inherit your parents genes, which is why you are similar to your family members. Thats why your laugh 'runs in the family' and your long toes might be just like your brother's. Heredity helps make you the person you are today. Tall or short, with brown eyes or blue, with black hair or brown.
Your complexion and even how badly you get acne also depends on genetics. No one escapes the odd flare-up, but if acne is in your genes you may get more than others.
Body Type
Your weight doesn't tell much about your health and fitness level. A lower body weight is not necessarily the goal to improve health or enhance appearance. Your weight, height, muscle tone and bone structure are strongly determined by your genes and healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes.
Each of us inherits a specific body type and a person with any body type can be healthy and fit and look great.
There are three main body types:
- Ectomorphs are generally tall and thin,have long arms and legs and narrow features. People with this body type have difficulty gaining weight and muscle no matter how much they eat or how hard they weight train and have low body fat. Many basketball players and long distance runners have this body type.
- Mesomorphs are muscular and have broad shoulders. People with this body type are stronger, have naturally high levels of muscle mass, gain muscle relatively easily and have high metabolism.
- Endomorphs are usually big boned and tend to carry more body fat. People with this body type resist losing weight no matter how much they diet. They make great long distance swimmers.
Most people are a combination of body types. Genetics works with other factors such as environment, lifestyle and metabolism to determine body weight.
Calories are burned through exercise, daily activity and just living. If you lead an inactive lifestyle and prefer to spend your day in front of the television or computer, you are more likely to gain unhealthy weight regardless of what your body type is. Accepting and nurturing our unique body type takes work and commitment. You don't have to be an athlete to be fit. Your daily exercise can be a 30 minute walk or a gym class. Your genes play an important role in shaping you but your environment, which includes your diet and the people you interact with, also influence your abilities, interests and choices.
Teenage Girls And Body Image
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