Young women’s body image critical for good mental, physical health

American culture, as depicted in movies, magazines and advertising, places great emphasis on how women look, with the ideal often being unrealistic and unachievable for most women. One researcher studies body image in relation to women’s physical, mental, and sexual health. According to her research, poor body image can be damaging to more than just a woman’s health. She has found that when women have a negative or poor body image, they tend to engage in riskier health behaviors, such as unsafe sex or substance abuse.