One of the most difficult things to let go of when we are talking about body image are the words "fat" and "thin". There are many ideas about what "fat" and "thin" mean.

• "Fat" or obesity has become seen as more than just a physical condition. It can be seen as negative or "bad". Fat is linked with things like lazy, greedy, unfeminine, having a personal problem, unhappiness or aggressive.

·         "Thin" is often seen as the opposite i.e. happy, successful, good, strong willed, feminine, confident etc.

But why is this so? Why is society having such a big effect on the shape and look of our bodies? Who is to blame? What should be done to stop this?