Reality TV 'encourages unhealthy focus on body image'
Reality television shows have been criticised for encouraging men and women to adopt an unhealthy focus on their body image.According to the Succeed Foundation, several societal factors have led to an obsession with body image among modern Brits.
Research conducted by the eating disorder charity, together with the Centre for Appearance Research at UWE Bristol and Central YMCA, indicated that most men are just as concerned with their appearance as women, and are usually affected by it in a negative way.
Karine Berthou, founder of the foundation, said that excessive scrutiny on body image can quickly lead to eating disorders.
"When you look at reality TV shows and society [more generally] we have an obsession with having the perfect body, and that doesn't help," she said.
"We need more research in terms of how it does impact exactly on our attitude to ourselves and our body."
The research indicated that 58.6 per cent of males believe talking about body image has an effect on them, mostly in a negative way. Nearly all (95.5 per cent) said they had come across "body talk" in the media.
Most of the common concerns for men focused on beer bellies, 'moobs' and six packs.
