As you look at magazine cover photos of super models, actors and actresses, remember that their appearance has been greatly enhanced with plastic surgery, air brushing and photographic techniques. This distorted perception of beauty has created very unrealistic expectations about the type of body people would like to achieve. The beauty, diet and fitness industries would like us to believe that the ideal body is attainable if we only try hard enough. If one of your parents was obese, you are twice as likely to be overfat, and if both parents were obese, the risk increases four times. Physically changing your body through proper nutrition and physical activity will only result in an improved body image if you learn to love your body the way it is right now.
Body image is independent of physical characteristics.
Improving your body image involves changing the way you think about your body. Learn to like yourself as you are. Much of your appearance is genetically determined. Set realistic goals for yourself. It is important to strive for self improvement but be realistic about what you can change about yourself and be content with what you cannot change.