The reality, however, is that if many of us had the time and financial resources for an army of people whose job was to make us look great, we could probably look just as good. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help people control their weight and shape their bodies. Cosmetic surgery also can help improve appearance. Differences in skeletal structure, skin and soft tissue make such changes impossible. They do appear to contribute to body image dissatisfaction.
Many experts also believe that they contribute to eating disorders as well.
Eating disorders, however, are very complex and are probably influenced by a variety of factors. To say that our appearance ideals cause eating disorders would be overly simplistic. I would like to see celebrities do a better job of recognizing that, like it or not, many individuals frequently see them as role models. As a result, they have some responsibility for the image they project. At the same time, I think parents, teachers and professionals who work in this area need to continue to help children and adolescents develop more positive body images.