Body Image vs Physiological Health

Body image is of course a serious issue. When is history have people not been self conscious about their physical appearance? But then, the perils of obesity and lack of exercise have become an immediate issue today. America has got some serious issues, and obesity is one of them. A majority of the people in the country are obese, and that implies great health risks for the future. Meme Roth makes an important point in that people should be aware of the ways that weight and exercise affect one's health. However, her method of doing so only provokes people because she makes it seem like body image and physiological health are synonymous. It's not surprising that people find it offensive. But let's be honest, she's got a point. If you exercise enough to burn 2000 calories a week, which is about 25 mins of aerobic exercise a day, you cut your risk of heart attack by 66%. That is extremely significant. Socioeconomic status of course also plays a part, but it's not too hard for any one person to take that much time out a week for the sake of one's health. Body image and physiological health are two sides of the same coin. We just have to make sure we present it in a way that acknowledges the risks of body weight and obesity, but is sensitive to and understands the concept of body image and the ideals people are forced to live up to in our society.