Do you have a healthy body image? Take the quiz and find out!

Most of us have “bad body days.” They tend to occur after spying another wrinkle, when eating a second helping or while flipping through a fashion magazine—stuff that’s pretty much par for the course for most women.

But when you let yourself feel down about your body, hating one particular feature, or find yourself chatting with gal pals about “how fat” you feel, these are signs of poor body image. All nibble away at your self-esteem, says Shelly Russell-Mayhew, a registered psychologist and assistant professor in the division of applied psychology at the University of Calgary. “The female definition of beauty has narrowed over time, and now it’s an impossible standard,” she says. “Women—and increasingly men—are spending extraordinary amounts of time, energy and money on making themselves look better.”

At some point in our lives, most of us have cycled through the different levels of body acceptance, which Russell-Mayhew defines as the ability to recognize and understand that how one’s body looks is only one part of who we are. Some people end up defining their success in life based solely on outward appearance. Obsession with body image can lead to social isolation, eating disorders and even depression. Is your body image getting in the way of a healthy, happy and successful life?

Take the quiz

For each question, choose the shape that best describes you. Determine which shape you chose most often and find out your body image profile below (you may fall into more than one category).

1. At a restaurant, the waiter asks whether you’d like to see the dessert menu. You are most likely to think: 
■ “Should I treat myself? Maybe we’ll share one.”
◆ “Of course; who doesn’t want chocolate cheesecake?” 
● “I’m never going to be thin if I don’t learn how to say no.” 
▲ “I’m way too fat to eat any dessert in public.” 

2. Your significant other is slowly undressing you. You’re most likely to: 
● Tense up as he nears your loathed love handles. 
■ Close your eyes and relish every tantalizing moment.  
▲ Turn off the lights, and hope he gets on with it.
◆ Show off your belly dancing moves (so what if you jiggle).   

3. The clothing store assistant says she thinks you need the next size up. You’re most likely to:
▲ Take a pass and never shop there again.  
● Feel frustrated since you know you’ve been exercising quite a bit lately.
◆ Assume the sizes in that store are on the small side. 
■ Decide to lose a few pounds—your health is a priority.   

4. The office “beauty queen” is promoted. You’re most likely to:
◆ Think, “If looks really matter, I’ll get the next promotion.” 
■ Think, “She deserves it, but her looks probably helped her.” 
▲ Figure, “I might never get ahead if looks matter.” 
● Assume with envy, “It’s her gorgeous skin and perfect posture.”

5. A friend you haven’t seen in months says you are looking thinner. You’re most likely to: 
■ Appreciate the comment, but chalk it up to the black outfit
you’re wearing.
● Eagerly find out why she thinks so, wanting to believe her every word. 
▲ Clam up and feel anxious  and self-conscious.
◆ Laugh, and joke about Spanx being your new best friend.

6. Your friend often complains about her large nose, but it’s nothing compared to yours. You:
■ Make a point of talking about what is really bothering her.
◆ Counter her self-criticism by pointing out famous beauties with unique noses.
● Join in, as you want her opinion on cosmetic nose surgery.
▲ Feel hurt that she’s oblivious to your own flaw.

7. Another mom says she’s got her daughter in activities every night for fear her child will be out of shape. You’re likely to:
● Wonder if you can fit another activity into your kid’s day. 
◆ Feel sorry for the girl. You and your daughter bond over TV.
▲ Warn your kids about the perils of not enough exercise.
■ Balk at her extreme view.

View your results and learn some tips: http://www.besthealthmag.ca/embrace-life/mental-health/quiz-do-you-have-a-healthy-body-image