How Do You See Your Body? A Test on Body Image

Your body isn’t just bones and muscles—it’s a big part of how you see yourself. But what if you’re constantly unhappy with your weight, shape, or specific body parts? That’s not just “I don’t like it”—it could point to deeper issues, especially if you struggle with eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia. This test helps you understand how you judge your body, what you feel about it, and how that affects your actions. It’s based on the Body Image Questionnaire (BIQ), a tool psychologists use to measure dissatisfaction with one’s body. I don’t have exact details on its creators, but such questionnaires are often developed by experts in clinical psychology or psychiatry, like David Garner or Paul Garfinkel in the 1980s, who did foundational work on body image and eating disorders. The BIQ isn’t just a list of questions—it’s a psychometric tool that checks how satisfied you are with your appearance, your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors tied to your body.

What makes the BIQ special? It’s like a warning light—it doesn’t diagnose but highlights potential issues. A high score suggests you might be at risk for problems related to how you see yourself, especially if eating issues are involved. It’s great for both research and clinical settings because it’s simple yet precise. Fun psychology fact: Your body image isn’t just about genetics or what you see in the mirror—it’s shaped by culture. In societies that glorify thinness, up to 70% of women and 40% of men dislike their bodies. Social media, like Instagram, adds pressure: filters and “perfect” photos increase body anxiety in 30% of teens. I’ve created a simplified 20-question version of the test so you can quickly check your body image. Answer honestly using this scale: Always (4 points), Often (3), Sometimes (2), Rarely (1), Never (0). Jot down your points for each statement.

The Test: How Do You Perceive Your Body?

1. I’m unhappy with my weight.
2. I dislike the shape of my body.
3. I feel ashamed of my appearance.
4. I avoid mirrors because I don’t want to see myself.
5. I think certain parts of my body are unattractive.
6. I compare my body to others’ bodies.
7. I feel anxious when I think about my appearance.
8. I avoid weighing myself because I’m scared of the number.
9. I feel my body doesn’t match the ideal.
10. I think I’d be happier if I changed my body.
11. I feel guilty if I eat something high-calorie.
12. I spend a lot of time exercising to change my body.
13. It’s hard for me to accept compliments about my appearance.
14. I think others judge me based on my body.
15. I avoid tight clothing because it highlights my flaws.
16. I feel like my body is a problem.
17. I check my body (e.g., in a mirror) several times a day.
18. My thoughts about my body stop me from enjoying life.
19. I change my behavior (e.g., eat less) to alter my body.
20. I feel my body defines my worth as a person.

Done? Add up all your points. The maximum is 80. Read on to see what it means.

What Do Your Results Mean?

• 0–20 points: You likely have a healthy relationship with your body. You don’t obsess over your appearance, and your self-perception is balanced. Keep valuing yourself as you are. If there’s slight dissatisfaction, that’s normal—no one’s perfect.
• 21–40 points: You have some dissatisfaction with your body. You might worry about your weight or shape at times, but it doesn’t run your life. Try focusing on what you like about yourself—maybe keep a gratitude journal for your body (for its strength or health). If you feel anxious, consider talking to a friend or psychologist.
• 41–60 points: Your body image raises concern. You often criticize yourself, and this might affect your mood or behavior. This isn’t a diagnosis, but it’s a sign to consult a professional (psychologist or therapist). Tip: Try mindfulness techniques to accept yourself, or talk to someone you trust.
• 61–80 points: High risk of body image issues. You may have strong dissatisfaction that impacts your emotions, actions, or even health. This could be linked to eating disorders or low self-esteem. Reach out to a psychologist or psychiatrist soon—therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy help 70% of people with these issues. In Ukraine, support is available, like the La Strada hotline (116-123).

Why Does This Matter?

Body image isn’t just about “liking or disliking” yourself—it’s how you see yourself in your mind, and it affects everything from your mood to your relationships. Interesting fact: A 2020 study found that people unhappy with their bodies are twice as likely to experience depression. Body image is also tied to culture—in places where thinness is idealized, people feel more shame. If your score is high, don’t panic—it’s just a starting point. Retake the test in a month to track changes, or seek support. You deserve to love yourself as you are.