A new extensive study, one of the biggest of its kind, brings good news for people who love their bodies just as they are.
Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University, along with a global team of scientists, found that feeling good about your body isn’t just a self-esteem booster—it’s also linked to overall happiness and mental well-being.
This study wasn’t small either; it surveyed 56,968 people from 65 different countries!
Body appreciation here means more than just liking how you look in the mirror. It’s about respecting your body, appreciating its unique traits, and not falling for the narrow beauty standards often promoted by media.
In simpler terms, it’s about liking yourself for who you are, not what society thinks you should be.
The Widespread Impact
Previous studies have shown that when people feel good about their bodies, they are also more likely to have better mental health. For instance, they usually report higher self-esteem and healthier eating habits.
On the flip side, people who don’t appreciate their bodies are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety.
What makes this study unique is its scale and reach. Researchers used something called the Body Appreciation Scale-2, a questionnaire with statements like “I respect my body” and “I appreciate the different and unique characteristics of my body.”
They found that people who scored higher on this scale were also more likely to report being satisfied with their lives.
Interestingly, the study found that single people and those living in rural areas had higher levels of body appreciation.
As for differences between countries, the U.K. didn’t fare so well—only India and Australia had lower scores. On the brighter side, Malta, Taiwan, and Bangladesh had the highest levels of body appreciation.
What This Means for Us All
Viren Swami, the lead author of the study, pointed out that the findings show the importance of encouraging a more positive body image for everyone, everywhere.
He suggested that people in cities might feel more pressure to look a certain way, thanks to society’s beauty ideals.
Meanwhile, those in rural areas could be benefiting from nature, which has been previously linked to positive body image.
Swami emphasized that this global collaboration between scientists shows what can be achieved when experts come together for a common goal.
The takeaway? Loving your body isn’t just good for you; it’s good for your overall life satisfaction and mental health.
So, the next time you start to doubt your appearance, remember that appreciating your body could lead to a happier, healthier you. And who doesn’t want that?
If you care about wellness, please read studies about fruit that may keep your muscles young and a new drug that could delay muscle aging.
For more information about wellness, please see recent studies that olive oil may help you live longer, and vitamin D could help lower the risk of autoimmune diseases.
The research findings can be found in Body Image.
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