“Recognize that your body is your own, no matter what size, shape, or color. You must be happy to be YOU!” This powerful message formed the highlight of a Health Promotion activity on ‘Body Image’ was conducted by Gulf Medical University and Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman among young minds of Grade 6 to 9 school students to raise awareness on ideal body weight, and protect our young generation from pressures of negative body image and stigma.
Led by Dr. Radhika Taroor, Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology, this community engagement activity took place on February 16, 2023 at Wise Indian Academy, Ajman.
The term ‘body image’ is the picture that a person forms of their body in their mind based on feelings and judgements. Feeling unhappy with appearance is a relatively common experience in adolescent phase of development. During childhood and adolescence, body image concerns can be a risk factor for mental health problems. Research points out that higher body dissatisfaction is associated with poor quality of life, psychological distress, depression, and risk of unhealthy eating behaviors and eating disorders. Positive body image in adolescence, on the other hand, has been linked to better overall wellbeing and quality of life.
The objectives of this activity were to define the term “body image”, highlight factors influencing changes in puberty, educate about the strategies to cope with negative image and attitudes towards building a healthy body and a healthy mind.
The over 150 students who participated in the event, seriously deliberated on how to have a healthy body image and connect with others to build a ‘body-accepting’ community. “How to deal with my friends calling me giraffe?” asked an anxious Grade 8 student, while another student of Grade 6, who considered herself ‘short’ wondered “Can I attain more height?” It was extremely fulfilling to notice that the audience wanted to learn more about healthy body image, self-esteem, and their aim to stay healthy.
The participants feedback received at the end of the session was encouraging with the majority satisfied with the usefulness of the topic and objectives. The concept “beauty is not just about appearance” was embedded in their thoughts, which has had a great impact on their self-esteem and self-awareness.
“Community Engagement and Social Accountability is an integral part of GMU’s vision and mission, and I believe that the University should serve the immediate community in which it exists”, reflected Prof. Manda Venkatramana, Vice Chancellor Academics and Dean, College of Medicine, who is also the Chairman of the Community Engagement Committee of Gulf Medical University.
The management and staff of Wise Indian Academy, Ajman expressed their thanks to Gulf Medical University and Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman for this initiative of fostering wellness among school children.