In the imaginary world of TV and magazines women are young and slim with cellulite free thighs and flawless skin. Everyone is busy being perfectly happy, perfectly rich and perfectly successful. Nobody has a bad day. Everything is make-believe and they call this inspirational?

'In 1998 the Bread for Life Campaign surveyed just over 900 Young Women aged between 18 and 24 (the largest student age category group) and published their findings as their 'Pressure to be Perfect' report.

The report included the following statistics:-

· Only 25% of young women were happy with their weight and 20% of young women diet either all or most of the time

· 55% of women think that men rate looks as the most attractive thing in a woman: only 1% said intelligence

· 22% of young women admit to staying at home because they didn't think they looked good

· 61% feel inadequate compared to the media's image of beautiful women

· 91% felt it was bad that the media always portray so-called perfect women

· 89% wanted more average sized models used in magazines

· 63% wanted fewer dieting features

Women should not be expected to conform to stereotypes of idealised femininity. Don't accept the pressure that society tries to enforce on you. We are all unique; all shapes and sizes, colours and ages. Things aren't always great, we all have our ups and downs, but at least it's our life. It's real. Welcome to inspiration….

Throughout the ages women's bodies have constantly been manipulated to fit the latest fad. We've been trussed up, pumped up, corseted and bandaged. Waists have been pinched, skin bleached, ribs removed, the fat sucked out and the silicone injected in. Wouldn't you rather be measured for your individuality, thinking and lust for life?

Many women feel dissatisfied with their body shape and this often results in low self-esteem and low self-confidence. 90% of women claim they would like to lose weight and many women are on diets trying to conform to the marketing image of 'ideal'. If shop mannequins were real they'd be too thin to menstruate! Real is beautiful.

Focus on the bits of your body that you do like.

Speak positively. Pay attention to the way you talk about yourself and try not to put yourself down.

If you are interested in information or campaigns about body image then please contact the women's officer in the student union building or on ext.92197 or email: su-womens@lancaster.ac.uk