Health Tip: Negative Body Image Can Affect Your Health

(HealthDay News) -- Your body image describes your appearance and the way you see yourself.

This isn't a superficial concept, warns Planned Parenthood. The group says a negative body image, if severe enough, can:

• Increase your risk of depression and anxiety.
• Trigger feelings of low self-esteem.
• Make it difficult for you to concentrate.
• Lead you to engage in risky behavior.
• Lead to social isolation.
• Spawn mental health issues, such as an eating disorder.
• Lead you to avoid a healthy lifestyle, including eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise.