Our individual experiences also affect how we feel about our bodies. If we have experienced violence or abuse, we may feel unsafe in our bodies. If we have experienced racism, been ridiculed because we' re in a wheelchair, or been made fun of because we have a "big" nose, we may dislike, mistrust, or even hate our bodies.
We may respond to hurtful experiences by wanting a ?perfect? body, thinking that if we looked like a supermodel, we would be shielded from discrimination, become successful, and find true love. Or we may respond by abusing our bodies with promiscuous sexual behavior, excessive exercise, alcohol or drugs, binging on junk food, or starving ourselves.
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Our Bodies, Ourselves: A New Edition for a New Era
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.