Today, girls as young as age six are generally unhappy with their weight and hold negative body images.  Mass media exposure has been altering our society’s understanding of the "perfect body" throughout the decades and models now weigh around 23% less than the average woman. The result? Eating disorders and a lifelong struggle for perfection filled with unhappiness and an obsession with ones appearance.

From Marilyn Monroe’s voluptuous hourglass to the waif-looking Kate Moss, media has defined body image over time, altering our overarching idea of "perfection." Too fat, too thin, does anyone ever really win? When did being happy and content with oneself go out of style?

All of my friends have completely different body types, and they are all beautiful, but do they believe that? Of course not. And how could they, now that there is always a flaw to dwell on or something to improve on? How can you believe you’re beautiful when the media is throwing size 0s and 2s in your face and when some guys won’t even look your way if you’re anything but that?

I’ve had friends with eating disorders since 8th grade, and I’ve realized that there’s no real way to help. In the end, they have to be the ones who love themselves. Either way you swing it, we are all stuck with what we got, so why bother wasting time wishing you looked like Jennifer Aniston? Instead of wasting energy on wishes that won’t come true, use that energy to be proactive and build your confidence, because in the end confidence really is everything, and unlike perfection, confidence is totally in your control.

I’ve gained weight, I’ve lost weight, I’ve done the crazy 600 calorie diets and the 7-days-a-week exercise routines, only to become more obsessed with my weight and driven to the realization that no matter how much weight is lost, you always want to lose more. Perfection is impossible, so it is easy to see how this spiral of obsession can suck just about anyone in.

My conclusion after 6 years of fixation and insecurities? Dieting is pretty much bullsh*t, because when the dieting is done, you are back to your old ways and all of your "progress" is lost. Instead of focusing on an unrealistic diet where you are malnourished and miserable, focus on changing to a more realistic healthy lifestyle. I’m not about to pull out some cliché that will make me cringe, but seriously realize that you are BEAUTIFUL, and f*ck the haters because who are they to judge you?

(Source: Women's Body Image and BMI)