Explain how unhealthy body image can impact the overall wellbeing of young people. (5 marks)
--- 15 WORK AREA LINES (style=lined) ---
Show Answers Only
*Language highlighting the cause-effect relationship is bolded in the answer below.
- Unhealthy body image leads to disordered eating patterns and eating disorders that compromise physical health. This occurs because young people restrict food intake or engage in purging behaviours, which causes nutrient deficiencies affecting growth and development.
- Low self-esteem and negative self-worth develop from poor body image. This relationship results in a cycle where negative thoughts reinforce body dissatisfaction, which leads to depression and anxiety.
- Social withdrawal occurs when body insecurities create discomfort in social settings. The reason for this is that body shame generates social anxiety, causing young people to avoid peer interactions and limiting their support network development.
- Academic performance declines as a result of mental resources being diverted to appearance concerns. This happens when constant body image worry consumes cognitive energy needed for learning.
- Excessive exercise or dangerous weight loss methods cause physical harm. This is due to extreme behaviours disrupting hormonal balance and immunity, which leads to serious health complications including bone density loss.
Show Worked Solution
*Language highlighting the cause-effect relationship is bolded in the answer below.
- Unhealthy body image leads to disordered eating patterns and eating disorders that compromise physical health. This occurs because young people restrict food intake or engage in purging behaviours, which causes nutrient deficiencies affecting growth and development.
- Low self-esteem and negative self-worth develop from poor body image. This relationship results in a cycle where negative thoughts reinforce body dissatisfaction, which leads to depression and anxiety.
- Social withdrawal occurs when body insecurities create discomfort in social settings. The reason for this is that body shame generates social anxiety, causing young people to avoid peer interactions and limiting their support network development.
- Academic performance declines as a result of mental resources being diverted to appearance concerns. This happens when constant body image worry consumes cognitive energy needed for learning.
- Excessive exercise or dangerous weight loss methods cause physical harm. This is due to extreme behaviours disrupting hormonal balance and immunity, which leads to serious health complications including bone density loss.