4 Media images from TV, movies and advertising
may also affect your self-esteem. Women and girls
on TV and in magazines are usually thin while men
look strong and very muscular. This can make you
believe that something is wrong with you if you
don't look this way. Media images may also put
pressure on you to go on extreme diets or become
obsessed with weight training. Remember that
it's more important to exercise regularly and eat
healthily than to try to change your body to fit an
unrealistic image. Adverts sell fantasy and
vanity, not reality.
50
Although you may often think that your classmates
notice every single pimple on your face or every
single pound you gain, this is not the case. What
they notice is how you feel about yourself. You
need to focus on the things you like about
yourself and walk with confidence! If you like
yourself and the way you look, other people will
too!
