Body image is what you see yourself to be when you look into a mirror. Depending on your psychological state, you will see something very specific to your mental picture. Things like, your beliefs about your appearance, how you personally feel about your body and also how you feel in your body are all characteristics of general body image.

People who "see" a distorted image of themselves will be prone to developing an eating disorder of some sort and this is problematical. This will be related to negative body image and some characteristics of this image include:

1. Distorted body image
2. A mental state that only other people are attractive and that your own body image is a failure
3. Feeling of anxiety , being self conscious and ashamed of your body
4. Feeling of awkwardness and being uncomfortable.

As mentioned, a person with a negative perception of themself will be prone to developing an eating disorder and so if this occurs it is very important to seek professional help as this is a mental disease and must be tended to. Early detection of an eating disorder will mean that there is a greater chance that it can be cured.

Quite obviously, part of the rehabilitation of a person will be to instill positive body images in their sub conscious so that they can see themselves as they really are and learn to accept that image. Characteristics of a positive body image will include:

1. Acceptance of your body as it is
2. You see more importance in your own character and strengths rather than just your own physical appearance
3. You are very proud of who you are and spend very little time worrying about your weight, diets, calories and so on
4. You give yourself and receive from others positive affirmation about yourself, thus negating negative thoughts and feelings from your sub conscious.

Positive body image is fundamental to assisting and curing people of eating disorders so make sure that you seek professional help if you know of a loved one who is developing an eating disorder based on low self esteem or any other psychological condition. It could save their life.