How mental health links to body image issues

The recent death of a popular online influencer after a botched plastic surgery has left many with questions and a debate raging. Health authorities are also scrambling to inspect and uphold standards in medical facilities licensed to carry out such procedures.

Unfortunately, such tragic event are a regular occurrence the world over with individuals from both genders, varied age, and different socio economic backgrounds looking for a quick fix to perceived physical flaws from their idea of ideal beauty.

Even as the uproar about the reasons why an individual opts for such drastic measures fizzles out, one key consideration has been left unexplored: the potential role of mental health disorders influencing such decisions.

Several studies have revealed a complex relationship between psychological well-being and cosmetic procedures as a compelling motive.

Individuals with body image issues have been found to have certain mental disorders including Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), characterised by an intense preoccupation with perceived flaws in appearance. It may not be noticeable to others, but studies reveal that 23 per cent of individuals with BDD pursue cosmetic procedures, in an attempt to correct these perceived defects.

Studies show that 44 per cent of patients seeking elective cosmetic surgery have a psychiatric disorder, with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder being the most common.

These conditions can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy regarding one’s appearance, prompting the desire for surgical intervention.

Low self-esteem is also a factor with individuals often believing that improving their physical appearance will enhance their self-esteem and overall quality of life. While some report positive outcomes post-surgery, such as increased confidence, others may experience heightened dissatisfaction if their expectations are not met.

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Social media influence

The emerging influence of social media has intensified pressures to conform to certain beauty standards, leading many young adults to seek cosmetic surgery as a means of enhancing their self-image and social acceptance, especially those with preexisting low esteem issues.

Paradoxically many people who undergo these cosmetic procedures may end up with exacerbation of the preexisting mental health disorders, suicidal ideation and vicious cycle of surgery leading to further dissatisfaction and potential worsening of mental health conditions.

There is also evidence of influence of cultural and societal pressures about particular ideas of beauty with marked emphasize on physical appearance creating pressure to conform to specific unrealistic body ideals, emphasizing thinness for women and muscularity for men.

Other factors like family dynamics with children absorbing certain attitudes and comments from parents and relatives about weight, appearance and feeding habits impacting one’s self-image.

Negative stereotype about weight gain and large bodies can also lead to stigma, while some have even experienced bullying about it especially during childhood.

Others are exposed to certain behavioral issues like dieting culture often normalized in society but, can have negative outcome especially among people with psychological factors like perfectionism.

Promoting a positive body image in young children is essential for their mental and physical well-being, through focusing on healthy lifestyle instead of just weight, modelling positive body image, encouraging positive self-reflection and creating a supportive family environment.

- The writer is a licensed psychologist/psychiatrist clinical officer and lecturer KMTC Meru Campus