The medical concept began with the work of the Austrian neuropsychiatrist and psychoanalyst Paul Schilder, described in his book The Image and Appearance of the Human Body first published in 1935.
Research indicates that exposure to idealized media images, such as models embodying cultural beauty standards, often leads to unfavorable body-image outcomes.
Identifying modifiable risk factors linked to appearance comparisons is crucial for reducing their frequency and preventing body dissatisfaction.
In the clinical setting, body image disturbances are relatively frequent[8] and involve both psychiatric and neurological disorders.
The FAI (feel-status minus actual-status inconsistency) index is used to assess someone's weight perception.