It is not only girls who are concerned about their body shape, suggests recent research, with eating disorders, dieting and extreme exercising as much of a problem for UK secondary school boys as for girls.
Of more than 1,000 boys aged between eight and 18 polled, 55% said they would consider changing their diet to look better and most of the boys polled saw eating disorders (56%) as an issue for both boys and girls.
The BBC reported that the research, by the Credos advertising industry think tank, also showed that boys found it hard to discuss their concerns.
Credos director Karen Fraser said: “The relatively low awareness of boys’ body image issues amongst parents and teachers, coupled with a culture of boys not discussing their worries, makes it a tough environment for boys to seek support.”
The research showed that 56% of boys polled struggled to talk to teachers about their worries while 29% said talking to their parents was hard. The survey also showed that boys were influenced by friends (68%), social media (57%), advertising (53%) and celebrities (49%) in how they saw the perfect body shape with 23% saying they believed there was a perfect male body.
“Boys are increasingly worried about their appearance,” said Fraser adding that the research showed that 55% felt dieting was a gender-neutral issue.
The report recommended more advice and education for boys, parents and teachers on identifying extreme body issues. Bullying about physical appearance was another problem and this, in turn, had impact on boys’ self esteem along with potential eating disorders.
However, says the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH), help is easily at hand through clinical hypnotherapy which can effectively deal with issues like weight management, self-esteem, anxiety and bullying.
“Managing weight loss is one of the most effective results of hypnotherapy,” says the NCH. “It can also help you reduce portion sizes so you lose weight healthily, steadily and for the long term. Losing weight with hypnosis is essentially about teaching you to feel good about yourself, whatever size you are.”
Clinical hypnotherapy for weight management focuses on making healthy changes to diet and lifestyle that will be permanent.
When it comes to issues like bullying, anxiety and self-esteem, an NCH-registered therapist will look at the underlying causes for the problem. Then, using a variety of hypnotic techniques and working with the subconscious mind, the therapist will help the person achieve a life free of anxiety.
“After sessions with a hypnotherapist, you may feel more confident; more relaxed in situations that have previously challenged you,” says the NCH.
“Many people say that they are calmer and that they have more clarity of thought – able to make decisions more easily.”
Getting help for such issues from an NCH therapist, who is highly trained and qualified, is easy. Simply click here to access the NCH directory and find a therapist near you.