Body Image
On 15 Aug 15, I gave a talk on body image / physical beauty to my church youth fellowship. The ages in youth fellowship ranged from 17 years to 26 years old. Body image is very important to teenagers and young adults. I discussed the perception of physical beauty, how it has changed over time, aesthetic medicine and discussed some passages from the bible.
I have placed a recording of my talk under the video collection in the Resources section. This article I have written is an explanation of the slides I used and accompanying resources. I have attached the powerpoint below. All the images I have are downloaded from the internet
On 15 Aug 15, I gave a talk on body image / physical beauty to my church youth fellowship. The ages in youth fellowship ranged from 17 years to 26 years old. Body image is very important to teenagers and young adults. I discussed the perception of physical beauty, how it has changed over time, aesthetic medicine and discussed some passages from the bible.
I have placed a recording of my talk under the video collection in the Resources section. This article I have written is an explanation of the slides I used and accompanying resources. I have attached the powerpoint below. All the images I have are downloaded from the internet
body_image.pptx |
I have been asked to do a talk on what young people and their body image
To youths and young adults projecting a good image is an important thing and maybe a consuming passion . And having a good body is perceived as near equivalent to having a good image
I am going to give this talk looking from 3 roles of myself
•A 45 year old married guy with 2 kids, girl and boy
•Christian for 28 years
•Doctor of 19 years with a family medicine background post grad diploma of psychiatry
Aim
•Show how our bodies change over time
•Ideal body types – males and females
•How to improve the body looks- using medical technology
•How unimportant all today discussion is
Disclaimer
I don’t know all of you well. If you feel I am talking about you in these slides, I am not. And very likely you have self image issue
To youths and young adults projecting a good image is an important thing and maybe a consuming passion . And having a good body is perceived as near equivalent to having a good image
I am going to give this talk looking from 3 roles of myself
•A 45 year old married guy with 2 kids, girl and boy
•Christian for 28 years
•Doctor of 19 years with a family medicine background post grad diploma of psychiatry
Aim
•Show how our bodies change over time
•Ideal body types – males and females
•How to improve the body looks- using medical technology
•How unimportant all today discussion is
Disclaimer
I don’t know all of you well. If you feel I am talking about you in these slides, I am not. And very likely you have self image issue
God created man both as a physical body and a spirit
In today talk I focus on the body. Nothing about the spirit
In today talk I focus on the body. Nothing about the spirit
This verse is commonly referred as a prophecy about Jesus
Jesus’ external image
People would not attracted to Jesus if were not for his miracles
He is someone whom you will only appreciate if you get to know him close.
The more you know him, the more you love him, and the more you know him
Jesus’ external image
- No looks
- No money
- Apparent Low EQ – He will talk frankly in your face, seem to time his words & actions poorly, ridicules the influential in front of them
- He is good guy but in a very uncomfortable way
- Had very high JQ . He will enlighten people who stick around to listen to him.
People would not attracted to Jesus if were not for his miracles
He is someone whom you will only appreciate if you get to know him close.
The more you know him, the more you love him, and the more you know him
Youth is the main factor for good looks
Almost all young people look good despite the body shape.
For women, beauty lies in the balance of muscle & fats.
Fats form the smooth skin, facial features, breasts and hips.
The shape of women that is considered beautiful is cultural based and has changed over time. This will be discussed later.
Almost all young people look good despite the body shape.
For women, beauty lies in the balance of muscle & fats.
Fats form the smooth skin, facial features, breasts and hips.
The shape of women that is considered beautiful is cultural based and has changed over time. This will be discussed later.
I am using Songs of Solomon as guide to understand what the opposite sex thinks.
So I have stripped away the spiritual meanings and looked at this book superficially as couple who are talking about each other.
I have summarized the important views of man and woman in the slide above and in their respective conservations.
Difference in comparison between male and female thoughts of each other in the book of Solomon
The man compared woman to beautiful things and nature eg doves, goat, sheep, fawn. liles pomegranate, ribbon
Woman compared man in Chapter 5 to materials eg gold, ivory, topaz, marble. Materials that are precious, strong and dependable. The woman also described how luxurious Solomon’s carriage was . If in the modern context,she would be saying he has a nice car
Man focus mainly on woman’s
•Looks and all things physical
Woman focus on a man’s
•Looks
•Stability – Status and material possessions -
•Love
So a man who less looks will be become more desirable to a woman as he gains status and wealth
But to girls have no worries, I will come to that later
So I have stripped away the spiritual meanings and looked at this book superficially as couple who are talking about each other.
I have summarized the important views of man and woman in the slide above and in their respective conservations.
Difference in comparison between male and female thoughts of each other in the book of Solomon
The man compared woman to beautiful things and nature eg doves, goat, sheep, fawn. liles pomegranate, ribbon
Woman compared man in Chapter 5 to materials eg gold, ivory, topaz, marble. Materials that are precious, strong and dependable. The woman also described how luxurious Solomon’s carriage was . If in the modern context,she would be saying he has a nice car
Man focus mainly on woman’s
•Looks and all things physical
Woman focus on a man’s
•Looks
•Stability – Status and material possessions -
•Love
So a man who less looks will be become more desirable to a woman as he gains status and wealth
But to girls have no worries, I will come to that later
All of grow old, so we all slowly turn uglier
If you don’t want to grow old, then you have to die young.
There is no way getting around it
The next few slides will show the process of aging in famous people
I am using Caucasian actors and actress because we are familiar with them
You will see and understand that youth is beauty
If you don’t want to grow old, then you have to die young.
There is no way getting around it
The next few slides will show the process of aging in famous people
I am using Caucasian actors and actress because we are familiar with them
You will see and understand that youth is beauty
Wiki - Kelly Le Brock (born March 24, 1960) is an American actress and model. Her acting debut was in The Woman in Red co-starring with comic actor Gene Wilder. She also starred in the films Weird Science directed by John Hughes, and Hard to Kill, with Steven Seagal.
Wiki - Steven Frederic Seagal (born April 10, 1952) is an American actor, film producer, screenwriter, film director, martial artist, musician, reserve deputy sheriff and entrepreneur. A 7th-dan black belt in Akido, Seagal began his adult life as an Aikido instructor in Japan. He became the first foreigner to operate an Aikido dojo in Japan.
Wiki -Kirstie Louise Alley (born January 12, 1951) is an American actress and comedian known for her role in the TV series Cheers, in which she played Rebecca Howe from 1987 to 1993, winning an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award as the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 1991. She is also known for her role in the thriller Shoot to Kill and the Look Who's Talking film series as Mollie Ubriacco. More recently, Alley has appeared in reality shows revolving around her life.
Over the years, Kirstie Alley has struggled with her weight, and she's never shied away from sharing that struggle with her fans.
Over the years, Kirstie Alley has struggled with her weight, and she's never shied away from sharing that struggle with her fans.
Wiki -Nicholas King "Nick" Nolte (born February 8, 1941) is an American actor and former model. He has been nominated for three Academy Awards, twice for Best Actor and once for Best Supporting Actor.
He was voted sexiest man alive by People Magazine 1992
He was voted sexiest man alive by People Magazine 1992
Wiki - Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot is a French former actress, singer and fashion model, who later became an animal rights activist. She was one of the best known sex symbols of the 1950s and 1960s
Attached is more information on Mdm Ho Lye Toh
mdm_ho_lye_toh_the_weight_lifter_and_three-time_miss_singapore_great-grandma.pdf |
The ideal male image has been constant for the centuries and quite the standard across nationalities
This image has been embodied in early Greek sculptures in their depictions of Greek gods and heroes
The focus is on good muscle definition. Muscular arms, legs and a 6 pack
There is less emphasis on the face. But a strong jawline suggesting strength is desired
This image has been embodied in early Greek sculptures in their depictions of Greek gods and heroes
The focus is on good muscle definition. Muscular arms, legs and a 6 pack
There is less emphasis on the face. But a strong jawline suggesting strength is desired
Tips to achieve a Greek god like body
Again the idea of youth is important
It is easy for a young male to have good muscle definition.
As guys approach 40 it becomes more difficult to maintain an ideal body image
Again the idea of youth is important
It is easy for a young male to have good muscle definition.
As guys approach 40 it becomes more difficult to maintain an ideal body image
The gain muscle and lose fat is a biological paradox.
On the left is a weight lifter. He is likely stronger the body builder on the right.
To gain muscle the weight lifter eats and trains. His concern is strength. So his muscles are not obvious
Body building is a art and science. In body building contest, points are awarded for achieving good and symmetrical muscle definition. Individual muscle groups are assessed. Massive muscles are a plus point. That's the art
Science comes to play when body builders have to lose fat but keep the muscle mass. Losing fat is necessary for the individual muscle to stand out. A specialized diet, anabloic steroids and timing of when to gain muscle and lose fats for the contest produces this impossible body shape
The body builder on the right is Phil Heath. He was Mr Olympia from 2011-2014.
The well defined, Greek god body is not long lasting
To the male students - After you have finished you studies and start working, for most of you there will be no time for regular exercise, or eat with discipline, you will lose this body if you ever had one.
And obsession with a muscular body is a male thing
Girls are not very attracted to a ideal male body. Infact most females think body builders like Phil Heath as not proportionate or a put off
Remember the conversations in Songs of Solomon?
What do girls look for in a male?
On the left is a weight lifter. He is likely stronger the body builder on the right.
To gain muscle the weight lifter eats and trains. His concern is strength. So his muscles are not obvious
Body building is a art and science. In body building contest, points are awarded for achieving good and symmetrical muscle definition. Individual muscle groups are assessed. Massive muscles are a plus point. That's the art
Science comes to play when body builders have to lose fat but keep the muscle mass. Losing fat is necessary for the individual muscle to stand out. A specialized diet, anabloic steroids and timing of when to gain muscle and lose fats for the contest produces this impossible body shape
The body builder on the right is Phil Heath. He was Mr Olympia from 2011-2014.
The well defined, Greek god body is not long lasting
To the male students - After you have finished you studies and start working, for most of you there will be no time for regular exercise, or eat with discipline, you will lose this body if you ever had one.
And obsession with a muscular body is a male thing
Girls are not very attracted to a ideal male body. Infact most females think body builders like Phil Heath as not proportionate or a put off
Remember the conversations in Songs of Solomon?
What do girls look for in a male?
Unlike the male body image, the ideal female body image is fluid. It is different across cultures and across history
These photos were taken from a youtube video :Women's Ideal Body Types Throughout History by Buzzfeed
https://youtu.be/Xrp0zJZu0a4
Except for the last century and ancient Egypt, well endowed women were considered beautiful
Since the early 20th century, being thin to slim to well tones, alternating with some degree of fullness but not obesity have
been the ideal female body type.
( To the ladies ) Therefore almost all female body types have been considered beautiful at one time or in one culture.
So there is no need to be obsessed with achieving a ideal body image. Female beauty lies in the eyes of your boyfriend.
Go ask him if that’s true.
These photos were taken from a youtube video :Women's Ideal Body Types Throughout History by Buzzfeed
https://youtu.be/Xrp0zJZu0a4
Except for the last century and ancient Egypt, well endowed women were considered beautiful
Since the early 20th century, being thin to slim to well tones, alternating with some degree of fullness but not obesity have
been the ideal female body type.
( To the ladies ) Therefore almost all female body types have been considered beautiful at one time or in one culture.
So there is no need to be obsessed with achieving a ideal body image. Female beauty lies in the eyes of your boyfriend.
Go ask him if that’s true.
This section about the facts of losing weight
1st law of thermodynamics
also known as Law of Conservation of energy, states that energy cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.
Never forget this principle
Many overweight people don’t believe in this principle. They believe just exercise alone or just cutting a little on their diet in a short period of time is enough to lose weight. Or they just believe there is something wrong with their metabolism so that although they don’t’ eat much, they just put on weight
Remember that God created the world with its laws. So you are subject to them as well
also known as Law of Conservation of energy, states that energy cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.
Never forget this principle
Many overweight people don’t believe in this principle. They believe just exercise alone or just cutting a little on their diet in a short period of time is enough to lose weight. Or they just believe there is something wrong with their metabolism so that although they don’t’ eat much, they just put on weight
Remember that God created the world with its laws. So you are subject to them as well
Here are some hard facts of weight and energy. You may access the calorie calculator from the above website
Daily energy intake is largely dependant on sex, age and height. Weight contributes disproportionately to the energy requirements.
Basal metabolic energy expenditure constitutes most of our bodies daily energy
So a fat 95kg man – see 4th column needs only 18 % more basal metabolic energy than his thinner counterpart although he is 46 % heavier.
Also column 2 and 3 shows that activities and exercise only take up a small proportion of daily energy expenditure
Therefore losing weight by eating less to create a negative energy balance is the key to weight loss
Daily energy intake is largely dependant on sex, age and height. Weight contributes disproportionately to the energy requirements.
Basal metabolic energy expenditure constitutes most of our bodies daily energy
So a fat 95kg man – see 4th column needs only 18 % more basal metabolic energy than his thinner counterpart although he is 46 % heavier.
Also column 2 and 3 shows that activities and exercise only take up a small proportion of daily energy expenditure
Therefore losing weight by eating less to create a negative energy balance is the key to weight loss
|
Attached here is an journal article describing the difficulty of losing weight. The findings showed that the probability of attaining normal weight or maintaining weight loss is low.
|
Now for the next section of my talk.
I will bring you though proven ways of improving physical beauty
Most of this section will focus on female beauty
Because most efforts available are about improving the woman lookds and most women are concern about their looks and most
Men are interested in women’s looks rather than their own looks
Make up is the most cost effective way to improve looks.
It can make a big difference . However the downside is the time a lady has to spend on it and it can be a daily routine
The next 3 slides are popular singer/ actresses pre and post make up
Attached is a Straits Times article on the obsession of make up among Women in Japan
I will bring you though proven ways of improving physical beauty
Most of this section will focus on female beauty
Because most efforts available are about improving the woman lookds and most women are concern about their looks and most
Men are interested in women’s looks rather than their own looks
Make up is the most cost effective way to improve looks.
It can make a big difference . However the downside is the time a lady has to spend on it and it can be a daily routine
The next 3 slides are popular singer/ actresses pre and post make up
Attached is a Straits Times article on the obsession of make up among Women in Japan
worked_up_over_make_up.pdf |
Modern medical treatment for acne is very effective. Creams and in more serious acne pills, can significantly suppress an acne outbreak and prevent scar formation
Acne scars can also be treated with laser treatment
Outcome is often satisfactory
Acne treatment is worth considering is you have a bad case of acne.
I don’t think there anything spiritually wrong about treating acne
Acne scars can also be treated with laser treatment
Outcome is often satisfactory
Acne treatment is worth considering is you have a bad case of acne.
I don’t think there anything spiritually wrong about treating acne
Wiki - Intense pulsed light, commonly abbreviated as IPL, is a technology used by cosmetic and medical practitioners to perform various skin treatments for aesthetic and therapeutic uses including hair removal, photojuvenation and treatment of dermatologic diseases. The technology utilizes a broad spectrum lightsource, with a general spectral range of 500 to 1200 nm. Various cutoff filters are commonly used to filter out lower frequencies and narrow this spectrum to target specific structures and chromophores. Because of the broad spectrum of the IPL light source they are unique, as opposed to laers, in the ability to filter the light spectrum to target various chromophores in the skin.
Laser Toning improves the appearance of the skin in both the short run and the long term. The procedure results in instant rejuvenation of the face, neck, hands and décolleté because it plumps, smoothes and clarifies. Laser Toning also promotes sub-dermal collagen production so that skin texture, color and tone continue to improve long after your appointment at the dermatologist’s. Regular laser toning can diminish surface flaws like wrinkles and brown spots, or imperfections caused by conditions like acne and rosacea. Laser toning is painless, though patients may experience a sensation of heat as the laser wand passes over the skin.
Wiki - Botulinum toxin (BTX) is a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and related species. It is also produced commercially for medical, cosmetic, and research use.
In cosmetic applications, injection of botulinum toxin can be used to prevent development of wrinkles by paralyzing facial muscle. Following treatment, visible results of Botox Cosmetic are usually seen within 3–5 days, however it can take up to 2 weeks to see full results.
In cosmetic applications, injection of botulinum toxin can be used to prevent development of wrinkles by paralyzing facial muscle. Following treatment, visible results of Botox Cosmetic are usually seen within 3–5 days, however it can take up to 2 weeks to see full results.
Wiki - Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty ("fat modeling"), liposculpture suction lipectomy ("suction-assisted fat removal") or simply lipo, is a cosmetic surgery operation that removes fat from many different sites on the human body. Areas affected can range from the abdomen, thighs and buttocks, to the neck , backs of the arms and elsewhere.
Liposuction is not a method to lose weight but rather a surgery to sculpture the body.
Liposuction is not a method to lose weight but rather a surgery to sculpture the body.
By removing the fats, the underlying muscle is more clearly seen. In man this can be done as a cheat method to produce well defined muscle and 6 pack abdomen
In a women liposuction can be used to produce an hour glass figure
For modesty sake I have not included liposuction in women, though you can google that yourself
In a women liposuction can be used to produce an hour glass figure
For modesty sake I have not included liposuction in women, though you can google that yourself
This is Mr Franklin Heng
Mr Heng, the chief executive of YTL Starhill Global Reit Management, was 44 when he died after the liposuction at Reves Clinic on Dec 30, 2009, leaving behind assets that were valued at just below $7.7 million. A coroner's inquiry found that he suffocated when his airway collapsed because of the heavy sedation.
Mr Heng, the chief executive of YTL Starhill Global Reit Management, was 44 when he died after the liposuction at Reves Clinic on Dec 30, 2009, leaving behind assets that were valued at just below $7.7 million. A coroner's inquiry found that he suffocated when his airway collapsed because of the heavy sedation.
South Korea has the highest number of plastic surgery per capita.
Most young Korean women undergo some form of plastic surgery.
I have attached some picture of the more extensive plastic surgery to showcase what plastic surgery can do
Usually for the following pictures, you wll see that surgery has been done for the nose, jawline (which probably means dental work too ) and eyes.
There is also some enhancements between the pre and post photos. The post surgery photos usually show the patient in good lighting, make up and smiling
Attached is an article written by a foreign journalist on the Korea mindset towards plastic surgery
Most young Korean women undergo some form of plastic surgery.
I have attached some picture of the more extensive plastic surgery to showcase what plastic surgery can do
Usually for the following pictures, you wll see that surgery has been done for the nose, jawline (which probably means dental work too ) and eyes.
There is also some enhancements between the pre and post photos. The post surgery photos usually show the patient in good lighting, make up and smiling
Attached is an article written by a foreign journalist on the Korea mindset towards plastic surgery
newyorker.com-about_face.pdf |
Korean beauty contest has been labeled as a showcase for plastic surgery.
For example many of the 2013 contestants in this slide look the same
For example many of the 2013 contestants in this slide look the same
To demonstrate the similarities, 7 of these beauty contestants were chosen and a gif photo was made
Here is another Gif photos of pretty girls from around the world. This was taken from a website to showcase
Beauty from around the globe
Female beauty is very cultural biased.
*This Gif is about 7MB and it cannot be played back on this website. Please download and play the powerpoint to view it
To the ladies
There is not need to aspire to have an ideal body shape. What is more important is to keep a healthy body. If you are already of normal weight, don;t worry about your body fat distribution. If you are overweight, having a disciplined program to lose weight for weight healthily is good.
If the reason to have an ideal body shape is for personal satisfaction or get a boyfriend, then I urge you to reconsider. It is difficult to lose weight quickly and most who attempt are left disappointed. Either the attempt fails or the weight comes back with a vengeance very quickly. And speaking from a guys' point of view, although looks are important to guys, most body shapes are pleasant to look at. The evolving nature of ideal female body can attest to that. And look the young couples. Girls of all sizes do have boyfriends.
So don't go for the latest weight loss fad, crash diets or surgical options without proper consideration
And to the guys
I know it is just a few, whose goal is to find a trophy girlfriend, many girls hide their real looks behind cosmetics. You should see them without those accessories. And looks and shapes don't last. Take a look at married couples especially after they have kids. Both couples shape changes. Good looks don;t last. Ever
Article was 1st published on 28 Sept 15
by Benjamin Cheah
Beauty from around the globe
Female beauty is very cultural biased.
*This Gif is about 7MB and it cannot be played back on this website. Please download and play the powerpoint to view it
To the ladies
There is not need to aspire to have an ideal body shape. What is more important is to keep a healthy body. If you are already of normal weight, don;t worry about your body fat distribution. If you are overweight, having a disciplined program to lose weight for weight healthily is good.
If the reason to have an ideal body shape is for personal satisfaction or get a boyfriend, then I urge you to reconsider. It is difficult to lose weight quickly and most who attempt are left disappointed. Either the attempt fails or the weight comes back with a vengeance very quickly. And speaking from a guys' point of view, although looks are important to guys, most body shapes are pleasant to look at. The evolving nature of ideal female body can attest to that. And look the young couples. Girls of all sizes do have boyfriends.
So don't go for the latest weight loss fad, crash diets or surgical options without proper consideration
And to the guys
I know it is just a few, whose goal is to find a trophy girlfriend, many girls hide their real looks behind cosmetics. You should see them without those accessories. And looks and shapes don't last. Take a look at married couples especially after they have kids. Both couples shape changes. Good looks don;t last. Ever
Article was 1st published on 28 Sept 15
by Benjamin Cheah
PS
I attended the Singapore Health and Biomedical Congress on 2 & 3rd October 2015. There was an interesting session on Evidenced based Aesthetic Medicine at Primary Care Forum. The session on presented by Dr Wong Soon Tee, a dermatologist. There is very strong evidence that many of the treatments and surgeries work. But there are also side effects and failed outcomes that are usually over looked. I have repackaged Dr Wong 's slides below, and have removed picture of patients. The slides themselves are quite self explanatory and would be a great accompanying reference to the body image article I posted last month. My opinion is that aesthetic medicine is a business about vanity.
evidenced_based_aesthetic.pptx |