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suicide are girls who feel overweight. It seems that girls who have seen slides of thin models have lower opinions of themselves than those who've been exposed to average and oversize models. Ultimately, the results show that all of them feel the greatest pressure to be thin from the media, followed by peers and then family. The truth is, exposure to idealized images lower girls' satisfaction with their own attractiveness and study after study shows that reactions to pictures of thin models in magazines and exposure to the thin ideal produced depression, shame, guilt, body dissatisfaction, and stress.

But there are ways that all women and girls can resist these images and develop positive body images. Empowering ourselves is the most important step. By becoming aware of how we feel and not buying in to unrealistic body ideals that may not be healthy for our own body type we can start a road to recovery and self-love, which psychologists assert is an essential first step. Building positive self esteem in young women can be achieved with some attention to the following:

Setting realistic goals, including goals for things that are not directly tied to they way you look physically

Journaling or keeping a diary of things that you are good at, and identifying personal strengths that can be a source of pride (e.g., being a good friend, good listener, a volunteer or a strong contributor at work or school)

Celebrating achievements: taking time to both praise and create excitement for achievements that are not related to your looks

Developing tolerance and patience when frustrated

Taking each day, one day at a time, and recognizing good character-based decisions

Thinking for yourself rather than following "the pack," which includes knowing how to "do the right thing"

Help young people to identify parents, teachers and counselors they can talk to when facing tough decisions so they don't have to rely entirely on societal and peer pressure.

Learn more about this author, Safiya Noble.
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