This following report by the central YMCA is very much something that I deal with regularly with clients of all ages. Whether I see women 1-2-1 or in group workshops, self esteem and body confidence is a huge issue.

More than half the UK public suffer from negative body image.

This can cause health and relationship problems, low self-esteem, lack of advancement/progression in school or in the workplace.

Girls as young as five now worry about their size.

Appearance is the largest cause of bullying in schools.

This report makes a series of recommendations to government and industry that include compulsory self-esteem lessons in primary and secondary schools, psychological screening of patients undergoing cosmetic surgery, embedding body confidence within post-natal care, and a review into whether the Equalities Act should be amended to include appearance-related discrimination.

I personally am not shocked at these findings, as my book “Discover the New You, celebrity style secrets to transform your life”- addresses all these issues and takes my readers on a journey to improve their self- confidence, self-esteem and how they see themselves.

I always ask my clients 3 questions- “how do you see yourself, how do you think others see you and how would you like others to see you?”

Central YMCA will now take forward the report's recommendations in a national campaign, to be launched in the autumn in partnership with several other organisations.

The campaign will include the creation of a brand, or “kite mark”, which will be awarded to socially responsible businesses taking action to tackle negative body image.

You can add your views at www.bodyimage.org.uk

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