Women have complicated relationship with media body image, diets

The urge to lose weight is often rooted in the desire to improve one's cardiovascular health and to reduce the likelihood of chronic disease. However, a new study suggests that for women, watching one's weight may also be connected to media portrayals of the "ideal" body type.

Research published in the journal Communication Research indicates that college-age females who view women's magazines for five days tend to experience an increase in body satisfaction - at first, anyway.

The team noticed that after time had passed, these women also tended to begin engaging in dieting behaviors, some of which were harmful, such as skipping meals entirely.

The study's authors concluded that women's body images may be intricately tied to media images of thinness. Researchers noted that this principle may have positive effects, such as the urge to eat right, and negative ones, like yo-yo dieting or other practices that healthcare experts do not recommend.

Individuals looking to maintain a healthy weight may be in need of a steady eating regimen that includes lean proteins, whole grains, plenty of fruits and vegetables and antioxidant-rich green tea.