From Internet addiction to Photoshop, here's why women grow up hating their bodies

Imagine this: you are out shopping. You set your sights on a killer black dress. But, once you try it on, you realize that it is one size too small for you. The store doesn't have another piece and you end up feeling dejected.

Moreover, you begin to criticize your body type, wishing you were a size six instead of eight.

Well ladies, before you start wallowing in self-pity because you think you are 'too big' or 'too short', take a moment and introspect. Just because that trendy dress doesn't fit you, you don't need to beat yourself up over it.

And you are probably not the only one who feels this way. Most women in the world suffer from body image issues, thanks to a lot of reasons that are simply absurd.

Here are a few:

Those Picture-Perfect Photoshopped Models
How many times have you gone through the glossy pages of a magazine, wishing that you had flawless skin like the model on the cover? But, what you need to realize is that the only way you can achieve picture-perfect skin is by Photoshopping your face. No zits, no blemishes, and no fine lines--do you really think it is humanly possible?

Internet Addiction
It's time you give your good-old Internet a break. It is doing you more harm than you realize.

According to a recent study conducted at the Simon Fraser University, Canada, women who spend 20 hours online per week, are more likely to suffer body dissatisfaction compared to women spending less than an hour online each week. Primarily because content and advertisements online tend to focus on idealized aspects of female beauty.

That Neighbourhood Auntie
You might be pretty confident with the way you look, but if you end up getting a hard time from some kitty-party auntie, who pesters you to lose weight.

Families and well-meaning relatives often end up harassing young women over their notion of a perfect body. And this is bound to bother them. So, the next time an aunty suggests home remedies to lose weight, ask her to take a chill pill!

Also read: How men made me hate my 35-kilo weight loss

Constant Comparisons
You might be comfortable in your own skin, but that's not enough to save you from a barrage of criticism. How many times have you heard your near and dear ones comparing you with your uncle's aunt's sister's daughter-one who is taller than you, slimmer than you, and prettier than you.

Constantly pitting you against another woman not only paves way for insecurity, but also causes hostility. As a result, you, knowingly or unknowingly end up comparing yourself with other women all the time.

 Also read: Embrace your #bellyjelly: 6 body positive things you should start doing right NOW!

Blame The Media
Media is probably the biggest villain as far as body image issues are concerned. Be it films, sitcoms, or advertisements, the medium propagates unrealistic standards of beauty.

Come on ladies, the actress you are crushing on gets styled by an army of stylists, has dieticians at her beck and call, and has oodles of money to spend on cosmetic procedures. You can expect to look like them at all times.