Body Image Secrets

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0:00:02 > 0:00:03I've spent a lifetime asking awkward questions -

0:00:03 > 0:00:06the ones we all want to know the answers to but, apart from me,

0:00:06 > 0:00:09are probably too polite to ask.

0:00:09 > 0:00:11- Where was your shame, Malcolm? - I didn't have any.

0:00:11 > 0:00:13Have you tried being less boring?

0:00:13 > 0:00:16- That's a really below-the-belt question.- Of course it is.

0:00:18 > 0:00:20I've been up and down Britain

0:00:20 > 0:00:23putting people on the spot about those

0:00:23 > 0:00:26things you'd rather not reveal.

0:00:26 > 0:00:28Are you in a relationship?

0:00:28 > 0:00:30It's complicated.

0:00:30 > 0:00:33Your infatuation with your pets.

0:00:33 > 0:00:35Your worries about bringing up children.

0:00:35 > 0:00:38It's a bit like how I train my dog.

0:00:38 > 0:00:42Tonight, I'm uncovering our obsession with body image.

0:00:42 > 0:00:43- Hello.- Wendy.

0:00:45 > 0:00:48We've never been more worried about looks.

0:00:48 > 0:00:53I've got a hanging belly and tits that have not defied gravity.

0:00:53 > 0:00:55I'm as guilty as the next person.

0:00:55 > 0:01:00I'm so diet conscious, I even take the breadcrumbs off the tomatoes.

0:01:00 > 0:01:04What's the answer? Would it be easier if we covered ourselves up?

0:01:04 > 0:01:07I need never worry again that my nose turns up.

0:01:07 > 0:01:09Or bravely let it all hang out?

0:01:09 > 0:01:12- I think I've come in the wrong outfit.- One of us is overdressed.

0:01:12 > 0:01:13- Yes.- And it's not me.

0:01:13 > 0:01:17I'm letting two men try out each other's very different approach to

0:01:17 > 0:01:20- looking the part. - I want my manhood back.

0:01:20 > 0:01:24What I want to understand is, what's wrong with being ugly?

0:01:37 > 0:01:39How I look matters to me, it always has.

0:01:39 > 0:01:42I have my hair cut and highlighted once a month.

0:01:42 > 0:01:45I have manicures, pedicures,

0:01:45 > 0:01:47facial peels, HRT implants,

0:01:47 > 0:01:50I've had a face-lift 12 years ago.

0:01:50 > 0:01:53I'm fanatical about how I look.

0:01:53 > 0:01:55It's hardly a surprise.

0:01:55 > 0:01:59I grew up with a mother who went to a health farm three or four times a

0:01:59 > 0:02:04year and as a reward for finishing my O Levels, she sent me to one.

0:02:04 > 0:02:08I'm still at it. This is my bi-annual MOT.

0:02:10 > 0:02:11I'm at the Buchinger Clinic.

0:02:11 > 0:02:15This isn't a fluffy spa - it's much more severe.

0:02:15 > 0:02:18Open your legs. Very good. Perfect.

0:02:20 > 0:02:21It hurts! SHE YELLS

0:02:21 > 0:02:24I get prodded.

0:02:24 > 0:02:25And poked.

0:02:25 > 0:02:27Oh, it's my big treat of the day.

0:02:27 > 0:02:29Oh, joy. Enema time.

0:02:29 > 0:02:31YELLING

0:02:31 > 0:02:33A fortnight of serious fasting.

0:02:33 > 0:02:34Just broth.

0:02:34 > 0:02:35It's so delicious.

0:02:38 > 0:02:43It's costly, but it's my way of having a fit body and a clear mind.

0:02:43 > 0:02:46Ridiculous to some and not nearly enough for others.

0:02:49 > 0:02:51But what happened to letting ourselves go?

0:02:51 > 0:02:54Being how nature intended?

0:02:54 > 0:02:57Even if that means being ugly and misshapen.

0:02:59 > 0:03:02Not how you describe these two.

0:03:02 > 0:03:04They look picture perfect.

0:03:04 > 0:03:07Lonan is 27 and a personal trainer.

0:03:07 > 0:03:10His girlfriend Millie is 20 and an aspiring model.

0:03:18 > 0:03:20Is that pleasure or work?

0:03:21 > 0:03:23They sort of combine.

0:03:23 > 0:03:25Let's have a look at your arms.

0:03:27 > 0:03:30'For this couple, looking good is on a scale I've never before encountered.'

0:03:30 > 0:03:32Did you meet at a gym?

0:03:32 > 0:03:34- No.- We met at a restaurant.

0:03:34 > 0:03:37When you saw Millie in the restaurant,

0:03:37 > 0:03:39what was it you saw first?

0:03:39 > 0:03:42It was of course her looks.

0:03:42 > 0:03:44I didn't know her personality then.

0:03:44 > 0:03:46I imagine she probably wasn't wearing much.

0:03:46 > 0:03:47I can't remember,

0:03:47 > 0:03:50but I remember thinking she was very good looking, so...

0:03:52 > 0:03:56Would it have mattered if she was slightly overweight?

0:03:56 > 0:03:58I have a type. The size I'm attracted to -

0:03:58 > 0:04:00whether it's from promotion in magazines

0:04:00 > 0:04:03or something I've grown up with, I don't know -

0:04:03 > 0:04:04is just a slimmer build.

0:04:06 > 0:04:09- So this is core workout. - Is that OK?- Yep.

0:04:10 > 0:04:13Lonan sees his body as his calling card.

0:04:13 > 0:04:17He can charge up to £200 for a training session, and that's online.

0:04:17 > 0:04:20What sort of body is this giving you?

0:04:20 > 0:04:23To start, I'm 44 inches across here.

0:04:23 > 0:04:27My waist is 27 inches, which is very, very small.

0:04:27 > 0:04:31If I go like that, from the side, there's nothing, you know,

0:04:31 > 0:04:33my hands aren't far off touching.

0:04:33 > 0:04:35Who would normally have a 27-inch waist?

0:04:35 > 0:04:37A 15-year-old girl.

0:04:37 > 0:04:40Can we have a look at the waist?

0:04:40 > 0:04:42Anne, please!

0:04:42 > 0:04:46I don't... You can follow me on Instagram and then you'll see.

0:04:46 > 0:04:49- Look at my social media.- Why are you reluctant to show it to me?

0:04:49 > 0:04:51People are desperate to critique.

0:04:51 > 0:04:54Oh, for goodness' sake!

0:04:54 > 0:04:56When his waist IS up to scratch,

0:04:56 > 0:05:00he shares it on social media with 130,000 fans.

0:05:00 > 0:05:03Who knew a tummy could have a following all of its own?

0:05:05 > 0:05:09- Do you know what Boomerang is? - Do I know what?- Boomerang.

0:05:09 > 0:05:11Not a throwing thing that comes back.

0:05:11 > 0:05:13- The app?- I don't know what he's talking about.

0:05:13 > 0:05:14OK, well, I'll show you.

0:05:14 > 0:05:17It's a video that is very short and it repeats

0:05:17 > 0:05:18what you've just videoed.

0:05:18 > 0:05:20OK, I'm Boomeranged up now.

0:05:22 > 0:05:24Remember, I lift her up.

0:05:24 > 0:05:26Ready? In three, two, one.

0:05:27 > 0:05:29I watch small children do this.

0:05:29 > 0:05:30Easy-peasy.

0:05:35 > 0:05:37I think you might...

0:05:37 > 0:05:39Are they laughing at me?

0:05:39 > 0:05:42It's actually turned out... It looks like we're kind of dancing.

0:05:42 > 0:05:45- You said "one, two, three". Did you mean...?- And then press.

0:05:48 > 0:05:50- Yay, we did it!- We've done it.

0:05:50 > 0:05:52Look at that!

0:05:52 > 0:05:54Good.

0:05:54 > 0:05:55So I click on this.

0:05:55 > 0:05:58Click upload and we can check on that every five minutes.

0:05:58 > 0:06:01You'll see the response it gets.

0:06:03 > 0:06:07Lonan's relentless pursuit of being noticed has now landed him

0:06:07 > 0:06:08professional modelling jobs.

0:06:08 > 0:06:12I'm in about five or six magazine articles a week at the moment.

0:06:12 > 0:06:14It's all because of this.

0:06:14 > 0:06:18And taking your top off and posing for a shoot,

0:06:18 > 0:06:20is that different from just an Instagram?

0:06:20 > 0:06:25Very different. The diet you have to do up to the shoot is very,

0:06:25 > 0:06:27- very tough.- Like what?

0:06:27 > 0:06:29It's very unhealthy, but it's...

0:06:29 > 0:06:32You up your water to an unhealthy amount.

0:06:32 > 0:06:34Once you get close to the shoot, you then cut the water.

0:06:34 > 0:06:38Your body keeps rejecting the water, so you get very, very dry.

0:06:38 > 0:06:41You then have a lot of carbs and sugar, fill your muscles.

0:06:41 > 0:06:43All that together, if you time it right,

0:06:43 > 0:06:45it's amazing what your body can do.

0:06:45 > 0:06:47Is it worth all that?

0:06:47 > 0:06:49Yes, because it represents an image.

0:06:49 > 0:06:51- It's a false image.- It's not.

0:06:51 > 0:06:55It's an image you have achieved naturally and just altering my

0:06:55 > 0:06:58diet to get the image a bit better for the day.

0:06:58 > 0:07:01Either way, it's surely extreme.

0:07:01 > 0:07:04An unnatural thing to do to your body.

0:07:04 > 0:07:07Millie is equally desperate for a flawless physique

0:07:07 > 0:07:10that will allow her to become a fitness model.

0:07:10 > 0:07:12Millie, how many photographs do you take?

0:07:12 > 0:07:14I take hundreds.

0:07:14 > 0:07:16I want it to be, like, perfect.

0:07:16 > 0:07:21I want to make sure I like it and that takes a very long time for me.

0:07:21 > 0:07:23Because you're striving for perfection?

0:07:23 > 0:07:25Yes, to when I'm happy.

0:07:25 > 0:07:28Bikini photos do get more likes.

0:07:28 > 0:07:31Is there a certain amount of Instagram followers

0:07:31 > 0:07:33that gets you a better rate as a model?

0:07:33 > 0:07:37They say that 10,000 followers, your rate doubles.

0:07:37 > 0:07:38What are you at the moment?

0:07:38 > 0:07:42- 2,000 followers. - So you've got 8,000 to go.

0:07:42 > 0:07:44Yes, I've got a lot of work to do.

0:07:44 > 0:07:46The flipside is that every time

0:07:46 > 0:07:50either of you put something on Instagram,

0:07:50 > 0:07:52it's an opportunity for people to criticise you.

0:07:52 > 0:07:56- Absolutely.- Who is it that's most important to approve of what you're

0:07:56 > 0:07:59- doing?- Probably Lonan.

0:07:59 > 0:08:02I want him to be proud of me and to be attracted to me.

0:08:02 > 0:08:04- I'm brutally honest. - Yes, he's very honest.

0:08:04 > 0:08:10And who's important for you in terms of approving of your photographs?

0:08:10 > 0:08:12It is me.

0:08:12 > 0:08:14I make the decision on what I like or not.

0:08:14 > 0:08:18Lonan oozes authority and self-confidence,

0:08:18 > 0:08:20but does his girlfriend?

0:08:20 > 0:08:22Are you happy to show off your body?

0:08:22 > 0:08:25Now I'm paying more attention to my body, being in the fitness industry,

0:08:25 > 0:08:27I feel that my confidence is actually less.

0:08:27 > 0:08:29- Is it?- That's fair.

0:08:29 > 0:08:32Yeah. I'm a bit worried that if I see something that I don't like on

0:08:32 > 0:08:36myself still, I will do anything to try and cover it up.

0:08:36 > 0:08:40Creating their perfect shapes doesn't end at the gym.

0:08:40 > 0:08:43Their eating routine is one of intensive care.

0:08:43 > 0:08:44Just gone 5.30.

0:08:44 > 0:08:48- Is this supper time? - Six is supper time for us.

0:08:48 > 0:08:51We like to eat early, so you don't go to bed feeling really full

0:08:51 > 0:08:54- and bloated.- So I normally go to bed around 10:00.

0:08:54 > 0:08:56What time did you start at the gym this morning?

0:08:56 > 0:08:587:00.

0:08:58 > 0:09:00The salmon's fine, but the controlled eating

0:09:00 > 0:09:04and the sleeping arrangements are dull, dull, dull!

0:09:04 > 0:09:08Might some people think you are a bit obsessed?

0:09:08 > 0:09:12If you put it like that, yes, but it's a lifestyle.

0:09:12 > 0:09:14Would you mind being ugly? HE LAUGHS

0:09:14 > 0:09:16I would rather be better-looking.

0:09:16 > 0:09:23- Would you mind being ugly?- Erm, I would work with what I've got.

0:09:23 > 0:09:24OK.

0:09:24 > 0:09:26- Bye. Safe journey home. - Thank you.

0:09:26 > 0:09:28Am I nuts, or are they nuts?

0:09:28 > 0:09:32I'd rather eat my arm than live like those two.

0:09:32 > 0:09:34Of course they look amazing,

0:09:34 > 0:09:37but where's the fun in nothing but fitness

0:09:37 > 0:09:39and fretting about followers on Facebook?

0:09:39 > 0:09:43What I think about them is this -

0:09:43 > 0:09:47that by being obsessed with their body images,

0:09:47 > 0:09:51they lead a completely joyless existence.

0:09:55 > 0:09:58The most common body obsession people have is with their weight.

0:10:00 > 0:10:04Two thirds of women and nearly half of men will be dieting this year.

0:10:04 > 0:10:08It's an industry worth two billion to the economy and no wonder because

0:10:08 > 0:10:10almost all diets end in failure.

0:10:12 > 0:10:14So why do we bother?

0:10:14 > 0:10:17Well, here's one woman who doesn't.

0:10:17 > 0:10:19Wonderful to see you.

0:10:19 > 0:10:23Miriam Margolyes is 75 - close to my age - and, like me,

0:10:23 > 0:10:26never lets a thought go unsaid.

0:10:26 > 0:10:30- Can I really have as much as I want? - You can just go through the menu.

0:10:30 > 0:10:31My mouth is watering, actually.

0:10:31 > 0:10:34But that's where our similarities end.

0:10:34 > 0:10:37Please could I have asparagus with hollandaise?

0:10:37 > 0:10:41I'm going to have the asparagus, but...

0:10:41 > 0:10:42can I just have some olive oil?

0:10:42 > 0:10:46- Olive oil?- Why don't you want the hollandaise?

0:10:47 > 0:10:49I'll have a tiny bit of hollandaise.

0:10:49 > 0:10:51Is that a diet thing?

0:10:51 > 0:10:56Well, it's sort of habit not to have anything too fattening.

0:10:56 > 0:11:00You're really exposing me now and I feel conscious, but I will have...

0:11:00 > 0:11:04You're really exposing me because I feel a greedy pig, which I am.

0:11:04 > 0:11:06I'm permanently on a diet.

0:11:06 > 0:11:12I see. Well, I should be, I suppose, because I'm too fat, but I'm not.

0:11:12 > 0:11:13I like to eat.

0:11:13 > 0:11:18I do watch certain things because I'm interested in health.

0:11:18 > 0:11:22I'm not interested in what I look like, and you are.

0:11:22 > 0:11:26- I can tell that. - Well, yes, I am.

0:11:26 > 0:11:30A complete slave, but I had a mother who was very like that.

0:11:30 > 0:11:31What was your mother like?

0:11:31 > 0:11:33Mummy was a very good cook.

0:11:33 > 0:11:35Very elegant in her own way.

0:11:35 > 0:11:39An outstanding-looking woman, but she was always short and fat.

0:11:39 > 0:11:41But she always said to me,

0:11:41 > 0:11:44"Miriam, take more of a pride in your appearance."

0:11:44 > 0:11:46And even now, my relatives,

0:11:46 > 0:11:51they look at me and they say, "Miriam, why? Why?"

0:11:51 > 0:11:54Meaning, why do I look such a schlock?

0:11:54 > 0:11:57I don't have to describe what a schlock is because you see one now.

0:12:00 > 0:12:04- What do you weigh? - I think I weigh 95 kilos.

0:12:04 > 0:12:07I think it's about 14st or something.

0:12:07 > 0:12:09The asparagus is very, very good.

0:12:10 > 0:12:14It's never been bad enough that you've really thought,

0:12:14 > 0:12:16"I've got to change all this"?

0:12:16 > 0:12:19I'm only deeply depressed occasionally

0:12:19 > 0:12:22if I look at myself nude when I get out of the shower,

0:12:22 > 0:12:27and I look at myself and I see that I've got a hanging belly and tits

0:12:27 > 0:12:29that have not defied gravity.

0:12:29 > 0:12:33I think, "What a pity. Why did you let yourself go like that?"

0:12:33 > 0:12:36But on the other hand, I've had joy from eating.

0:12:36 > 0:12:37Yes, I can see.

0:12:37 > 0:12:39Do you want my asparagus?

0:12:39 > 0:12:41- The last two bits? - Why don't you want it?

0:12:41 > 0:12:43Because I want to leave some room.

0:12:43 > 0:12:46Thanks. That's lovely.

0:12:49 > 0:12:51I like things that are comfortable.

0:12:51 > 0:12:52Let me show you what I'm wearing underneath.

0:12:52 > 0:12:55Let's see your outfit to come to lunch.

0:12:55 > 0:12:58It's actually the only thing I had clean at the moment because I'm not

0:12:58 > 0:13:02living at home, but it's a little frock.

0:13:02 > 0:13:05- Oh, lovely.- I wore this because I thought

0:13:05 > 0:13:08I don't want to wear a coat and this is nice and warm.

0:13:10 > 0:13:12Ladies. Plaice, filleted plaice?

0:13:12 > 0:13:17Ooh-er! Put it down, mate, put it down!

0:13:17 > 0:13:19- Scallops a provencal.- Thank you.

0:13:19 > 0:13:21You're welcome.

0:13:21 > 0:13:26I'm so diet conscience, I even take the breadcrumbs off the tomatoes.

0:13:27 > 0:13:30That's not going to make you fat.

0:13:30 > 0:13:33It's habit, Miriam, habit.

0:13:33 > 0:13:36What would you eat in your day?

0:13:36 > 0:13:42If I do have breakfast, I tend to have some poached apple.

0:13:42 > 0:13:45That's because I don't like being anything other

0:13:45 > 0:13:47than a loose size ten.

0:13:47 > 0:13:48A loose size ten.

0:13:48 > 0:13:53I'm a loose size 22, I think. You're a little bit too thin.

0:13:53 > 0:13:55SHE MOUTHS

0:13:55 > 0:13:56SHE LAUGHS

0:13:56 > 0:14:00- Say that again.- You would think, that lady is not eating enough.

0:14:00 > 0:14:05We all have a sort of Barbie doll wish somewhere.

0:14:05 > 0:14:11Even the most intelligent of us have some sort of strange dream about

0:14:11 > 0:14:14looking differently. Even you, Miriam.

0:14:14 > 0:14:16I don't want to look like a Barbie doll,

0:14:16 > 0:14:19and that's jolly good because I never will.

0:14:19 > 0:14:24I love life, Anne, and I want to experience as much as I can.

0:14:24 > 0:14:27And I think if you're on a diet for all your life, as you say,

0:14:27 > 0:14:29you're missing out.

0:14:29 > 0:14:32And I have to reiterate, I like what I look like.

0:14:32 > 0:14:36- See you soon. Bye. - Thank you very much.

0:14:36 > 0:14:38Thank you very much.

0:14:39 > 0:14:41She might be right, I'm missing out.

0:14:41 > 0:14:44But even living life to the full, Miriam's way,

0:14:44 > 0:14:49I'd probably not bother with the trainers and the white socks.

0:14:49 > 0:14:54The thing is, she's energetic, clever, engaging, funny.

0:14:54 > 0:14:57And how refreshing that she bucks the trend

0:14:57 > 0:14:59for the need to be beautiful.

0:15:00 > 0:15:03And if you had to choose between

0:15:03 > 0:15:05lunch with Miriam eating for England,

0:15:05 > 0:15:10or that bleak, calorie-free supper with Lonan and Millie,

0:15:10 > 0:15:11you wouldn't choose Miriam.

0:15:13 > 0:15:16Vanity used to be a largely female pastime.

0:15:16 > 0:15:20I mean, few men of my generation used to worry much about their look.

0:15:20 > 0:15:24Now research shows on average men spend more time getting ready than

0:15:24 > 0:15:26women, and more time looking in the mirror.

0:15:26 > 0:15:29Are we sure about that?

0:15:29 > 0:15:30To find out, I've persuaded two men

0:15:30 > 0:15:32with entirely different views on their

0:15:32 > 0:15:36body image to spend time in each other's bathrooms.

0:15:37 > 0:15:40This is Danny, 54, and from south London.

0:15:40 > 0:15:44My grooming routine daily involves cleaning my teeth,

0:15:44 > 0:15:49a quick cat's lick in the sink and running some water through my hair.

0:15:49 > 0:15:53There's no creams, products or anything!

0:15:53 > 0:15:57Pure water. And you look this good with that.

0:15:57 > 0:16:01Danny works on the markets, where he also buys most of his clothes.

0:16:01 > 0:16:04There's no brands there - no Versace, no Louis Vuitton -

0:16:04 > 0:16:06nothing like that!

0:16:06 > 0:16:08These are all unbranded.

0:16:08 > 0:16:09But jeans are jeans.

0:16:11 > 0:16:13I don't bother with appearance.

0:16:13 > 0:16:17It takes me seven minutes or under to get ready every morning.

0:16:19 > 0:16:22I don't dress for the catwalk, and I don't dress to impress.

0:16:24 > 0:16:27Danny is going to spend two days in Brighton,

0:16:27 > 0:16:30with a man whose approach to his appearance

0:16:30 > 0:16:32might well have Danny reeling

0:16:32 > 0:16:36with shock. But he doesn't know that yet.

0:16:36 > 0:16:38Waiting to see what the guy's like.

0:16:40 > 0:16:41I haven't got a clue.

0:16:41 > 0:16:44A bit like Forrest Gump - life's a box of chocolates!

0:16:48 > 0:16:53Before Danny meets his host, he has a chance for a good nosy round.

0:16:55 > 0:16:57Oh, God, hunger busters.

0:16:58 > 0:17:00Fat metaboliser.

0:17:00 > 0:17:02I'll take it he's worried about his weight.

0:17:02 > 0:17:04I'm not bothered with what I look like.

0:17:06 > 0:17:08That is definitely Barry Manilow!

0:17:10 > 0:17:14Calvin Klein. I always thought they was underwear.

0:17:14 > 0:17:15Super-smooth body cream.

0:17:18 > 0:17:21Hair food. Feeding his hair now!

0:17:21 > 0:17:23What is that?

0:17:25 > 0:17:27Christ almighty, look at that!

0:17:27 > 0:17:29That's...

0:17:29 > 0:17:30That's fake tan or something.

0:17:32 > 0:17:35I wouldn't spend my money on that shite.

0:17:39 > 0:17:41A book here...

0:17:41 > 0:17:44Who on earth lives like this?

0:17:45 > 0:17:47"My name's Alex.

0:17:47 > 0:17:50"I'm 27 and registered blind.

0:17:50 > 0:17:52"To me, looking good is everything.

0:17:52 > 0:17:57"I spend over £1,000 a month keeping on top of my image."

0:17:57 > 0:17:59That's a lot of money!

0:17:59 > 0:18:03"On a daily basis, I can apply more than 15 products,

0:18:03 > 0:18:08"including foundation, bronzer, anti-shine powder."

0:18:08 > 0:18:10I knew some of that was make-up.

0:18:11 > 0:18:16Indeed! Life is just about to become a tough learning curve

0:18:16 > 0:18:18for our south London lad.

0:18:18 > 0:18:20Hello there, mate. Nice to meet you. How are you doing? Danny, Alex.

0:18:20 > 0:18:22- How are you, all right? - Yeah, not too bad, thank you.

0:18:22 > 0:18:25- You've had a look around the place. - Yeah, yeah.

0:18:25 > 0:18:28Do you like it? I bet you saw a few products, as well.

0:18:28 > 0:18:31Yeah, yeah, yeah. Some of them are a bit worrying.

0:18:31 > 0:18:33The make-up, it's a little bit drastic, that, for me.

0:18:33 > 0:18:36- Yeah.- I put one on. I tried one.- Oh, did you?

0:18:36 > 0:18:40Christ almighty, it's like I've been tangoed!

0:18:40 > 0:18:42- Right, shall we go?- Yeah, OK. - Perfect, let's go.- Follow you.

0:18:46 > 0:18:49Alex is 27 and has a thriving internet business.

0:18:49 > 0:18:52He also adores being pampered.

0:18:52 > 0:18:53This is where I get my hair cut,

0:18:53 > 0:18:55and a few little extra pieces on the side.

0:18:55 > 0:18:59I'm hoping for today, you might be game just to take one step

0:18:59 > 0:19:02into the kind of things I do on a weekly, ten-day routine.

0:19:02 > 0:19:04I'm in your hands, sir.

0:19:06 > 0:19:08The first time I've had my hair washed

0:19:08 > 0:19:11by someone since my mum done it when I was a kid!

0:19:13 > 0:19:15- How's that?- Lovely!

0:19:17 > 0:19:21The average male spends £35 a month on grooming.

0:19:23 > 0:19:26For Alex, it's six times as much.

0:19:26 > 0:19:30You must have the income to supplement this sort of lifestyle.

0:19:30 > 0:19:34Do you feel that sometimes you're trying to impress other people than

0:19:34 > 0:19:38- trying to impress yourself? - Most of it's for me.

0:19:38 > 0:19:41The more and more stuff you do, the more you find the little details

0:19:41 > 0:19:43that you're always looking to correct

0:19:43 > 0:19:47- and make a little bit better. - I think it's a never-ending road.

0:19:49 > 0:19:53For perfection, you've got to keep going and going and going.

0:19:53 > 0:19:55And then it's the long road.

0:19:58 > 0:20:00I want my manhood back!

0:20:02 > 0:20:07I felt a bit poncey, having my nails done, and the facial.

0:20:07 > 0:20:12How far is these beauty remedies going to go, and regimes, you know?

0:20:12 > 0:20:15Oh, much, much further, Danny, as it turns out!

0:20:15 > 0:20:18Next up, Alex's weekly spray tan.

0:20:18 > 0:20:21Right, OK, then. So, who's...

0:20:21 > 0:20:22Danny's going first!

0:20:28 > 0:20:31Danny, how does that feel? I think it looks pretty good.

0:20:31 > 0:20:33I'll take your word for it.

0:20:33 > 0:20:35Very St Tropez.

0:20:39 > 0:20:42I've come out like Tom Cruise and gone back looking like Bart Simpson.

0:20:44 > 0:20:47So do you think you're becoming reliant upon all this?

0:20:47 > 0:20:52The feel-good factor you get from doing them is almost like a drug.

0:20:52 > 0:20:56If I was to not have any of this and no products and no looking after

0:20:56 > 0:20:58myself, then I wouldn't feel great.

0:20:58 > 0:21:02- So, you know.- Where does the products start and the man begin?

0:21:05 > 0:21:10To be fair, I'm pretty keen most of the time on how I scrub up.

0:21:11 > 0:21:13This is a picture of me,

0:21:13 > 0:21:18snapped unexpectedly outside my door recently at eight o'clock in

0:21:18 > 0:21:20the morning. Not at my best.

0:21:20 > 0:21:23Do I mind being caught looking a fright?

0:21:24 > 0:21:27Well, it doesn't make any difference to world peace,

0:21:27 > 0:21:30and also I'm an old newspaper reporter,

0:21:30 > 0:21:33so I sort of know it's a game.

0:21:33 > 0:21:38And, most importantly, women absolutely love pictures like this.

0:21:42 > 0:21:46I do - it's great fun to laugh and feel superior,

0:21:46 > 0:21:51particularly if you're not that happy about how you look.

0:21:51 > 0:21:54But what about those rare humans who couldn't care less about their

0:21:54 > 0:21:57misshapen bits - might even be proud of them?

0:21:59 > 0:22:02I'm in Bedford with a couple who are

0:22:02 > 0:22:05quite comfortable to look very natural.

0:22:05 > 0:22:06- Hello!- Wendy. Good morning.

0:22:06 > 0:22:08Nice to meet you. Do come in.

0:22:08 > 0:22:10- Thank you.- Hello, Anne, how are you?

0:22:10 > 0:22:12I'm... I think I've come in the wrong outfit!

0:22:12 > 0:22:14- Well, one of us is overdressed. - Yes.- And it's not me.

0:22:14 > 0:22:15No, I get it, I get it.

0:22:15 > 0:22:18- Would you like a cup of tea? - I'd love a cup of tea.

0:22:18 > 0:22:22Wendy and Mike live almost full-time wearing no clothes.

0:22:22 > 0:22:23How long have you been naturists?

0:22:25 > 0:22:27Well, I've been naturist about seven years now.

0:22:27 > 0:22:31- Yeah.- But Mike was born naked.

0:22:31 > 0:22:34I've been... Yeah, I've been naturist all my life, really.

0:22:34 > 0:22:37Because my parents were naturists, and my grandparents were naturists.

0:22:37 > 0:22:41Some friends say to us, well yeah, but I couldn't do that,

0:22:41 > 0:22:43I couldn't do that. Well, why not?

0:22:43 > 0:22:46- We're all the same.- When you enter a naturist environment,

0:22:46 > 0:22:52where everybody's naked, then obviously there is no distinction...

0:22:52 > 0:22:54you can make by looking at people's clothes,

0:22:54 > 0:22:55looking at what they wear.

0:22:55 > 0:22:58Are you suggesting you don't judge people nearly as much?

0:22:58 > 0:23:01Oh, no. You leave pretty much everything at the door,

0:23:01 > 0:23:03which is the great thing about it.

0:23:03 > 0:23:07People might think that if you're going to go without clothes,

0:23:07 > 0:23:11you'd be extra worried about your body, and the shape of it,

0:23:11 > 0:23:13or being thin.

0:23:13 > 0:23:17No, but naturists, we all accept each other as we are.

0:23:17 > 0:23:22Fat, thin, tall, operation scars, anything, it's all the same.

0:23:22 > 0:23:24And are there any conventions?

0:23:24 > 0:23:26Your hair, for example?

0:23:26 > 0:23:28Do you have your hair coloured?

0:23:28 > 0:23:29I do like to colour it, yeah.

0:23:29 > 0:23:32Do you, for example, shave under your arms?

0:23:32 > 0:23:34- Yes.- Yeah.

0:23:35 > 0:23:36Do you shave anywhere?

0:23:36 > 0:23:39Well, occasionally Wendy likes to have this...

0:23:39 > 0:23:41- trimmed down a little bit. - Yeah, because it's a bit rough.

0:23:41 > 0:23:44- Oh.- I don't really like hairy chests.

0:23:44 > 0:23:45And what about the bits below?

0:23:45 > 0:23:47- Do you shave there? - Yes, I have shaved.

0:23:47 > 0:23:52If the whole idea is to be natural, why would you shave?

0:23:52 > 0:23:55I think it's just more comfortable and you wouldn't sweat so much.

0:23:57 > 0:24:00Naturally, Wendy and Mike like to spend their time mixing with other

0:24:00 > 0:24:02people in their birthday suits.

0:24:03 > 0:24:05This is lots of naked men.

0:24:05 > 0:24:08- And women.- Presumably all your early pictures

0:24:08 > 0:24:11- are ones without any clothes on? - Yeah, I've got some here.

0:24:11 > 0:24:13- Have you?- Would you like to see me when I was 20?

0:24:13 > 0:24:14I would, yes.

0:24:14 > 0:24:15There we go.

0:24:15 > 0:24:19Wow. Your bits look a bit different there.

0:24:19 > 0:24:21- Do they?- Yeah. They look bigger.- Yeah.

0:24:21 > 0:24:23- That's what happens when you get older!- Oh, is it?

0:24:23 > 0:24:25Everything shrinks. Well, not everything!

0:24:25 > 0:24:27HE LAUGHS

0:24:27 > 0:24:30So that's at 22, and this one, how old are you there?

0:24:30 > 0:24:32That's the day we met.

0:24:32 > 0:24:33- Oh, is it?- The day we met!

0:24:33 > 0:24:35Yeah, that's the minute we met.

0:24:35 > 0:24:36And you've got clothes on.

0:24:36 > 0:24:40A giveaway plastic cape, because it was cold and wet.

0:24:40 > 0:24:43And what did you see the moment you saw her?

0:24:43 > 0:24:45She's just lovely, you want to get to know her.

0:24:45 > 0:24:47You don't need to know Wendy for too many seconds...

0:24:48 > 0:24:51..you know, to see her personality shine out.

0:24:56 > 0:25:01Is being naked a way of never feeling ashamed of your body?

0:25:02 > 0:25:04- Absolutely, yeah.- Yeah.

0:25:04 > 0:25:07If it was the norm,

0:25:07 > 0:25:13how different do you think it would be for people when they looked at

0:25:13 > 0:25:17- their bodies?- If you can see people for who they are,

0:25:17 > 0:25:19rather than what they look like,

0:25:19 > 0:25:21I think the world would be a better place.

0:25:21 > 0:25:24Come upstairs. On the left is my room.

0:25:24 > 0:25:26I don't buy clothes now. Hardly ever.

0:25:26 > 0:25:29I've got some tops if I'm going out somewhere.

0:25:29 > 0:25:31- Look, really smart. - What about bras?

0:25:31 > 0:25:34No, I don't wear a bra. Haven't worn one for ages.

0:25:34 > 0:25:35I have got a couple.

0:25:35 > 0:25:39- Have you?- But I've thrown the others away, because I just gave up.

0:25:39 > 0:25:41They cut in. They're so uncomfortable,

0:25:41 > 0:25:43and I thought, why bother?

0:25:43 > 0:25:46- No dresses?- Yeah, I've got a few dresses.

0:25:46 > 0:25:49And the thing is with these, when I wear these...

0:25:50 > 0:25:52..I put them on and if I happen to catch sight

0:25:52 > 0:25:53of myself in the mirror...

0:25:53 > 0:25:56- Yeah.- ..I'm fat.

0:25:56 > 0:25:59What's interesting is that you look at yourself in the mirror naked,

0:25:59 > 0:26:04- you don't think "I'm fat", do you? - No. If I had a top and a bottom,

0:26:04 > 0:26:06I'd be tied in the middle and it'd be so uncomfortable,

0:26:06 > 0:26:08and I'd have bulges all down.

0:26:08 > 0:26:11So would you say your body's beautiful?

0:26:11 > 0:26:14Well, I accept it as it is and Mike thinks it's beautiful,

0:26:14 > 0:26:16so that's all that matters, really.

0:26:16 > 0:26:19Well, Wendy has the healthiest body image of anyone I've met so far,

0:26:19 > 0:26:22but she does have to cope with disapproval.

0:26:22 > 0:26:25- Come and have a look at my garden. - Lots of sun you get.

0:26:25 > 0:26:29Yeah, we often have our chairs out in the sun when it's warm enough.

0:26:29 > 0:26:31Is there a neighbour here that

0:26:31 > 0:26:34really would rather you didn't live here?

0:26:34 > 0:26:37Yes! I was told, "Oh, it's disgusting,

0:26:37 > 0:26:40"you're being talked about in Tesco."

0:26:40 > 0:26:42And, "Whatever would your children think?"

0:26:42 > 0:26:46- And I said, "What are you talking about?"- And I said, "Fame at last."

0:26:46 > 0:26:51And they said because we're out here naked and people can see us.

0:26:51 > 0:26:55You're making a mess of that, dear. And so we had the fencing put up.

0:26:57 > 0:26:58These two are quite comfortable naked,

0:26:58 > 0:27:03but what happens if they walk around town showing off their wobbly bits?

0:27:03 > 0:27:05It's lovely out here now, isn't it?

0:27:05 > 0:27:07It's not illegal to go naked in public,

0:27:07 > 0:27:11but it is illegal to distress people.

0:27:11 > 0:27:14We all know what a naked body looks like.

0:27:14 > 0:27:16Surely no-one here today will be offended.

0:27:18 > 0:27:21What do you think about people walking around in public

0:27:21 > 0:27:22- with no clothes on? - I think it's daft.

0:27:22 > 0:27:25If I had my grandchildren walking along here, I'd be very put out.

0:27:25 > 0:27:27- Yeah.- If my wife was with me, I'd be put out.

0:27:27 > 0:27:29We'll have to agree to disagree!

0:27:29 > 0:27:30HE LAUGHS

0:27:32 > 0:27:34They won't hurt you, you know!

0:27:34 > 0:27:37Hello? What do you think about people

0:27:37 > 0:27:39going around with no clothes on?

0:27:39 > 0:27:42I think it's shocked a few people down here.

0:27:42 > 0:27:44Does it offend you?

0:27:44 > 0:27:48No. I like to swim and go on the beach with nothing on, so...

0:27:48 > 0:27:50Good to meet you. Take care.

0:27:52 > 0:27:55What do you think about seeing people walking around

0:27:55 > 0:27:57- with no clothes on? - It's not appropriate.

0:27:57 > 0:28:00- Kerry thinks this is inappropriate. Do you?- In the daytime.

0:28:00 > 0:28:03I think it is in the winter, yeah!

0:28:03 > 0:28:04So would it be all right in the summer?

0:28:04 > 0:28:06I don't know.

0:28:06 > 0:28:08I suppose if everybody did it, you wouldn't think it was any different,

0:28:08 > 0:28:11- would you? But...- And when you're looking at them, Kerry,

0:28:11 > 0:28:14- are you avoiding his bits? Yeah.- No, I look at them!

0:28:19 > 0:28:22It turns out it's not a laughing matter.

0:28:23 > 0:28:26The police have had several complaints...

0:28:26 > 0:28:29Why are you asking? Who has complained?

0:28:29 > 0:28:31..then asked Mike and Wendy to cover up.

0:28:31 > 0:28:34- We're not arguing. - Not arguing at all.

0:28:34 > 0:28:37If they don't cover themselves up, what will you do?

0:28:37 > 0:28:39The policeman says he will arrest them.

0:28:39 > 0:28:43He also says he wouldn't want his kids or mother to see them.

0:28:45 > 0:28:48Why doesn't he want his mother to see someone with no clothes on?

0:28:49 > 0:28:53I mean, it shows what a curious relationship we have with nudity.

0:28:53 > 0:28:58No-one's embarrassed to go and gaze at the statue of Venus de Milo,

0:28:58 > 0:29:03yet you take Mike and Wendy for a stroll along the river in Bedford,

0:29:03 > 0:29:05and people start dialling 999.

0:29:05 > 0:29:09And perhaps, actually, if we saw more bodies like theirs -

0:29:09 > 0:29:12sort of misshapen and, well, normal -

0:29:12 > 0:29:16the younger generation would stop aiming for the impossible.

0:29:19 > 0:29:22Back in Brighton, it's day two of the swap.

0:29:22 > 0:29:25Is Danny, who works on a south London market,

0:29:25 > 0:29:28learning to take beauty seriously?

0:29:28 > 0:29:29One of my favourite shops.

0:29:29 > 0:29:33I normally come here every couple of weeks.

0:29:33 > 0:29:35So how much do you reckon these cost?

0:29:35 > 0:29:39I'd pay about 30, 40 quid.

0:29:39 > 0:29:42240 quid.

0:29:42 > 0:29:44So far, Danny's been a good sport,

0:29:44 > 0:29:46surviving a spray tan and expensive haircut.

0:29:46 > 0:29:48Now, for a new outfit.

0:29:48 > 0:29:50So what would you think of something like that?

0:29:50 > 0:29:53That's a bit lairy for me!

0:29:53 > 0:29:59British men spend an average of £660 a year on their wardrobes.

0:29:59 > 0:30:0010% more than women.

0:30:02 > 0:30:05Christ almighty, these are going to be a bit tight!

0:30:05 > 0:30:08- A bit tight?- I think people might see what religion I'm from.

0:30:08 > 0:30:10Christ almighty.

0:30:10 > 0:30:12Right, then. Oh, look at that!

0:30:12 > 0:30:14Yes! I think you look great.

0:30:14 > 0:30:16It all seems a bit tight on me.

0:30:16 > 0:30:19Especially around the nether regions.

0:30:19 > 0:30:22I don't think I'd be able to sit down in these.

0:30:23 > 0:30:26Alex is very addicted to all this.

0:30:26 > 0:30:28It's like a drug. He feels good

0:30:28 > 0:30:31about spending money on quality stuff,

0:30:31 > 0:30:33but it's label stuff.

0:30:33 > 0:30:36I'm sure he can look just as good in some of the stuff I wear,

0:30:36 > 0:30:39which would probably cost him a fraction of the thing.

0:30:39 > 0:30:40But would he wear it?

0:30:42 > 0:30:45Gently rub it along.

0:30:45 > 0:30:46- Like that?- Yeah.

0:30:48 > 0:30:51Really nice little product.

0:30:51 > 0:30:52It is.

0:30:52 > 0:30:56Alex spends at least an hour every day on his beauty regime.

0:30:56 > 0:30:59As you'll see here, there's about nine or ten different products.

0:30:59 > 0:31:02I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving the house without using a fair

0:31:02 > 0:31:03proportion or all of these.

0:31:03 > 0:31:06Is it something you really worry about?

0:31:06 > 0:31:09- Your skin, yeah?- I do, yeah.

0:31:09 > 0:31:14From the ages of about 13 to 18, I had awful acne. Really, really bad.

0:31:14 > 0:31:16Almost to the point where I probably had more acne on my face

0:31:16 > 0:31:19than I had skin. It was awful.

0:31:19 > 0:31:20The worst time of my life.

0:31:20 > 0:31:23And it really took a lot out of me.

0:31:25 > 0:31:27What you went through, is where this started?

0:31:27 > 0:31:31100%. I started wearing foundation and concealer when I was 17, 18.

0:31:31 > 0:31:35If you're not breaking out any more, why do you still need them?

0:31:35 > 0:31:39Even if I get one or two spots now, or my skin goes a little bit red,

0:31:39 > 0:31:44or I'm not quite happy with it, it's almost like I'm thrust back to what

0:31:44 > 0:31:46I had to deal with ten years ago.

0:31:46 > 0:31:48So anything that I can do and make a difference

0:31:48 > 0:31:51to get as far away from that as possible, I'm going to do it.

0:31:51 > 0:31:54- I'm not going to stop doing. - I think you're a great-looking guy.

0:31:54 > 0:32:00To me, it seems very excessive for what is standing in front of me.

0:32:00 > 0:32:04You know, I feel sorry that you was insecure and that,

0:32:04 > 0:32:08but to me you've gone past that now.

0:32:08 > 0:32:13You know. You know yourself, every time you look in the mirror.

0:32:13 > 0:32:15You've got to think, I'm all right!

0:32:15 > 0:32:19Yeah. So we're going to finish with a little bit of concealer, OK?

0:32:19 > 0:32:23Later, will Alex be able to overcome his insecurities

0:32:23 > 0:32:27when he tries out Danny's swift spit-and-polish approach?

0:32:30 > 0:32:33Nowadays, we're swamped with images of airbrushed models,

0:32:33 > 0:32:36footballers' wives and reality TV stars,

0:32:36 > 0:32:41and the impact on ordinary twenty- and thirtysomethings is enormous.

0:32:44 > 0:32:49Nowhere more so than in my hometown, now the glamour capital of the UK,

0:32:49 > 0:32:51Liverpool.

0:32:53 > 0:32:56This trio are having a Saturday stroll

0:32:56 > 0:33:00round the shops ahead of a night out.

0:33:00 > 0:33:03- Hi, nice to meet you! - Nice to meet you!

0:33:03 > 0:33:07How much would you say you spend a week, girls, on clothes and make-up?

0:33:07 > 0:33:12God. I'd say probably about a good £100 before we go out.

0:33:12 > 0:33:15I'd probably put most of my money into my outfit because I would never

0:33:15 > 0:33:17wear the same outfit twice. I know that sounds petty.

0:33:17 > 0:33:20But that's just the Scouse girl thing,

0:33:20 > 0:33:23I don't know anyone who would wear the same dress twice, really.

0:33:23 > 0:33:27Expensive way of life, isn't it? Being glamorous in Liverpool.

0:33:27 > 0:33:29Women in Liverpool spent three times

0:33:29 > 0:33:33as much on their appearance than is spent anywhere else in the country.

0:33:35 > 0:33:38The girls are at Eve's beauty salon to get made up

0:33:38 > 0:33:40for their Saturday night out.

0:33:40 > 0:33:42So what's happening now?

0:33:42 > 0:33:44So, right now I'm doing Laiken's make up for tonight.

0:33:44 > 0:33:48- Why can't Laiken do her own make-up? - She's not as good as me.

0:33:48 > 0:33:50I can do my own make-up, but when I'm going out I'd rather get it

0:33:50 > 0:33:52- professionally done.- Yeah.

0:33:54 > 0:33:56Under pressure to look perfect,

0:33:56 > 0:33:58they go well beyond lipstick and eyeliner.

0:33:58 > 0:34:03So I had a bit of Botox last month, but it just prevents wrinkles.

0:34:03 > 0:34:05And what about your eyebrows?

0:34:05 > 0:34:07I've got mine tattooed.

0:34:07 > 0:34:09Like, I don't like mine now.

0:34:09 > 0:34:11That's a bit like me. Like, I've got my lips tattooed,

0:34:11 > 0:34:13but I still draw them on.

0:34:13 > 0:34:16I'm very self conscious of it. I mean, to the point it got so bad,

0:34:16 > 0:34:19like, at one point I used to sit on dates like that,

0:34:19 > 0:34:22and I'd look like I had something wrong with me. I'd be trying...

0:34:22 > 0:34:24in every way to cover my mouth.

0:34:24 > 0:34:28- It's exhausting.- Isn't it just? And it cost a lot, as well!

0:34:28 > 0:34:31Who are you following that your lips have to be one shape

0:34:31 > 0:34:33and your eyebrows another shape?

0:34:33 > 0:34:36I think Kim Kardashian's been a big influence.

0:34:36 > 0:34:39She's got a lot to answer for, that Kim Kardashian.

0:34:39 > 0:34:41- Yeah, I know. - Do you think she's very pretty?

0:34:41 > 0:34:43Oh, yeah, I would love to look like her.

0:34:43 > 0:34:46- Yeah.- How about your boobs, girls?

0:34:46 > 0:34:49Oh, I'd love to get my boobs done.

0:34:49 > 0:34:50Have you had your boobs done?

0:34:50 > 0:34:53I have. I was a 30C,

0:34:53 > 0:34:56and now I've been measured a 30H.

0:34:56 > 0:34:59- OK.- So I've gone up a few sizes.

0:34:59 > 0:35:03I don't quite understand how it's become so important!

0:35:03 > 0:35:07I think being from a city, there's even more pressure on you,

0:35:07 > 0:35:10especially, like, a fashion capital like Liverpool,

0:35:10 > 0:35:13where models and media and fashion is such a big thing.

0:35:13 > 0:35:17It's all you're looking at, is image, body image,

0:35:17 > 0:35:19and you should look like this and you should look like that.

0:35:19 > 0:35:21And it all gets on top of you.

0:35:21 > 0:35:24Subconsciously, I think, as well, more than anything.

0:35:24 > 0:35:26Like, you'll just look at them and think, my lips need to be bigger.

0:35:26 > 0:35:28You don't think why they need to be bigger.

0:35:31 > 0:35:34Shall we give Anne a Scouse brow, Eve, do you think?

0:35:34 > 0:35:35I don't think my life will be complete

0:35:35 > 0:35:37without a Scouse brow, actually.

0:35:37 > 0:35:39Are you on the pull tonight, Anne?

0:35:39 > 0:35:42Well, I'm always hopeful, you know, Eve. Even at my age.

0:35:46 > 0:35:48God, they're enormous!

0:35:48 > 0:35:51My make-up is complete, but this lot aren't even halfway through.

0:35:51 > 0:35:53When you leave to go clubbing,

0:35:53 > 0:35:55is that the end of looking in the mirror?

0:35:55 > 0:35:57- No.- Oh, good God, no!

0:35:57 > 0:35:59That's just the beginning. I will spend the night...

0:35:59 > 0:36:02- Yeah.- ..the majority of the night in the toilet, topping up.

0:36:02 > 0:36:04- Live in there, Anne.- Really?

0:36:04 > 0:36:06- You live in the toilet? - Near enough, you might as well.

0:36:13 > 0:36:16When I lived here, the guys hung out in the pub.

0:36:16 > 0:36:20Now the busiest place after work is one of these massive gyms.

0:36:22 > 0:36:25Why is it so important that you look good?

0:36:26 > 0:36:28- Vanity.- Vanity?

0:36:28 > 0:36:30- Must be, mustn't it! - How old are you?

0:36:30 > 0:36:32- How old do you think I am?- 24.

0:36:32 > 0:36:35Oh, my God, yeah, that was the right number!

0:36:35 > 0:36:37- 34.- Really?

0:36:37 > 0:36:38Would you have Botox?

0:36:38 > 0:36:40- Yes!- Yeah, where would you have Botox?

0:36:40 > 0:36:41- All over!- OK.

0:36:44 > 0:36:48Jack is 22, works in a bank and has done everything he can

0:36:48 > 0:36:50to alter his appearance.

0:36:50 > 0:36:53How often do you come to the gym?

0:36:53 > 0:36:54About six times a week.

0:36:56 > 0:36:58The gym is his cheapest expense.

0:36:58 > 0:37:03He's so far forked out £20,000 on improving his looks.

0:37:03 > 0:37:08Sunbed, eyebrows, filler.

0:37:08 > 0:37:10Cosmetic surgery, nose jobs...

0:37:12 > 0:37:14- ..everything. - And what else is there to do?

0:37:15 > 0:37:18I'm not where I want to be at the moment.

0:37:18 > 0:37:19Where do you want to be?

0:37:19 > 0:37:21Like an Adonis.

0:37:21 > 0:37:25I want to have an amazing body, like photo shoots, everything like that.

0:37:30 > 0:37:34Every 12 weeks, Jack comes here for filler injections.

0:37:36 > 0:37:38Just pop yourself on the couch.

0:37:39 > 0:37:41Today, he's having his nose and lips plumped.

0:37:43 > 0:37:45How big do you want them, Jack?

0:37:45 > 0:37:46Quite big, I want them quite big.

0:37:48 > 0:37:50Why do you want them bigger?

0:37:50 > 0:37:55I just think it just takes years off your face when you've got big lips.

0:37:55 > 0:37:57I think you just look better. That's what I feel, anyway.

0:37:57 > 0:37:59I always want to get my lips done

0:37:59 > 0:38:00and I always want to get my nose done.

0:38:00 > 0:38:02So far, he's had two nose jobs,

0:38:02 > 0:38:05but it's still not the right shape for him.

0:38:05 > 0:38:07What sort of nose is it you're looking for?

0:38:07 > 0:38:09I can't think off the top of my head, but...

0:38:09 > 0:38:12You've always said to me you wanted your nose more masculine-looking

0:38:12 > 0:38:15- and a bit more straighter. - Yeah.- And a bit more wider.

0:38:15 > 0:38:17So do you feel you've got a girlie nose?

0:38:17 > 0:38:20Yes. Do you agree with men getting filler?

0:38:21 > 0:38:25I agree with everyone being able to do exactly what they want.

0:38:25 > 0:38:27Ohh.

0:38:27 > 0:38:32OK, what do you think about them yourself? Have a little look. OK.

0:38:32 > 0:38:33Oh, I love them.

0:38:33 > 0:38:36- Love them.- What look are you going for, Jack?

0:38:37 > 0:38:43I'd like to think my own look but, in the bigger picture, to fit in.

0:38:43 > 0:38:47And I think to have your lips done and your nose done and to have that

0:38:47 > 0:38:48look, you fit in more.

0:38:48 > 0:38:53The price of fitting in this time is £200.

0:38:53 > 0:38:55And when you look in the mirror now, what do you see?

0:38:55 > 0:39:00Um... Obviously my opinion is that I think I'm quite good-looking.

0:39:00 > 0:39:03I don't think I'm beautiful just yet. But maybe one day.

0:39:08 > 0:39:14Yet, despite the time and money Jack and Eve spend on their appearance,

0:39:14 > 0:39:17I'm struck by how dissatisfied they still are.

0:39:17 > 0:39:19It's as if nothing is ever enough.

0:39:19 > 0:39:21- Thanks, guys!- Thank you!

0:39:21 > 0:39:22Bye!

0:39:22 > 0:39:25Unfortunately, all that painful striving for perfection

0:39:25 > 0:39:28hasn't altered Jack's lack of self-confidence.

0:39:28 > 0:39:30And those lovely girls!

0:39:30 > 0:39:33Typical witty Scousers,

0:39:33 > 0:39:37they looked much prettier walking round the shops in their rollers.

0:39:37 > 0:39:41To them, the idea of being ugly is terrifying.

0:39:41 > 0:39:45Although why anyone would want to look like Kim Kardashian

0:39:45 > 0:39:46is beyond me!

0:39:50 > 0:39:52Nowadays, people's level of self-esteem

0:39:52 > 0:39:55seems only connected with their appearance,

0:39:55 > 0:39:57and has very little to do with

0:39:57 > 0:40:00whether they're smart or fun to be with.

0:40:01 > 0:40:04What if we could only be judged on our personality?

0:40:06 > 0:40:08Hi.

0:40:08 > 0:40:11This is Mumtaheena and her husband, Jilal, who live in Luton.

0:40:11 > 0:40:14- Would you like a tea?- How are you? - Very well, very well.- Good.

0:40:14 > 0:40:18Mumtaheena has a very different attitude to body image.

0:40:18 > 0:40:21How would you describe how you're dressed today?

0:40:21 > 0:40:25I would say that I'm dressed in the traditional Islamic clothing.

0:40:25 > 0:40:29The khimar, which is the scarf, and then you have the jilbab,

0:40:29 > 0:40:30which is the outer garment,

0:40:30 > 0:40:32which is very loose fitting and doesn't show your figure.

0:40:32 > 0:40:36And all of it's there to cover up your beauty, the parts

0:40:36 > 0:40:41of your body which are for yourself and to share with your family.

0:40:41 > 0:40:45Do you think you feel differently about your body than people

0:40:45 > 0:40:47who don't cover up?

0:40:47 > 0:40:51People who don't cover are probably more conscious about their bodies,

0:40:51 > 0:40:53because it's always on display.

0:40:53 > 0:40:55And I think that's a very difficult way of living.

0:40:55 > 0:40:58Whereas when you're covering, you have that freedom.

0:40:58 > 0:41:00It's not so, "Oh, I can let myself go now

0:41:00 > 0:41:01"because no-one's really seeing me,"

0:41:01 > 0:41:04but you don't have to conform to the pressures.

0:41:04 > 0:41:08Whereas if everybody's seeing every part of you, you know,

0:41:08 > 0:41:10you're always going to feel like you're not good enough.

0:41:10 > 0:41:12If I wasn't here today,

0:41:12 > 0:41:16and you were just in the house with the children and your husband,

0:41:16 > 0:41:17would you be covered up?

0:41:17 > 0:41:20No, I wouldn't. Because this is my home, so...

0:41:20 > 0:41:22So you've got two lots of clothing?

0:41:22 > 0:41:24Yes, I do. I do have two lots of clothing.

0:41:26 > 0:41:28I want a glimpse at this other wardrobe.

0:41:29 > 0:41:31You know, that's something that...

0:41:31 > 0:41:34Wow! When you've got that on, would you be worried -

0:41:34 > 0:41:37"My bum looks a bit big in that"?

0:41:37 > 0:41:38I would wear this for my family,

0:41:38 > 0:41:41and I think they wouldn't really care about those kind of things!

0:41:41 > 0:41:44- Would you care?- I probably would, but, you know,

0:41:44 > 0:41:47I'm quite happy and confident in who I am.

0:41:47 > 0:41:50And, you know, I've got a loving family around me.

0:41:50 > 0:41:54I've got, you know, wonderful people that I've never felt negative about

0:41:54 > 0:41:55my body image.

0:41:55 > 0:41:58Other people could go out in this dress and maybe be judged in it.

0:41:58 > 0:42:01Like, "Oh, God, what is she wearing?"

0:42:01 > 0:42:03"She doesn't have the figure for that", or "How could she wear that?"

0:42:03 > 0:42:06You know, women have to face these horrible comments,

0:42:06 > 0:42:09whereas when you wear this in your home, you know,

0:42:09 > 0:42:12away from the prying eyes of people judging you and seeing your figure,

0:42:12 > 0:42:14you can be the queen of your home,

0:42:14 > 0:42:17you can feel like the queen of your home and you wear whatever.

0:42:17 > 0:42:19You don't have to worry about those things.

0:42:19 > 0:42:23'So Mumtaheena often opts for covering up when she's out.

0:42:23 > 0:42:26'She says it means she doesn't feel judged.

0:42:26 > 0:42:30'I want to do the same, and see what happens.'

0:42:30 > 0:42:33I need never worry again that my nose turns up

0:42:33 > 0:42:35in a rather stupid style at the end.

0:42:37 > 0:42:40'We're out and about in High Street Kensington.'

0:42:44 > 0:42:47'Will people even talk to me dressed like this?'

0:42:51 > 0:42:53'The answer is mostly no.'

0:42:53 > 0:42:56Excuse me?

0:42:56 > 0:42:59- Yes?- I'm doing a programme on body image, can I talk to you?

0:42:59 > 0:43:01- No, I'm all right. - Sorry, not interested.

0:43:01 > 0:43:03Excuse me?

0:43:03 > 0:43:06'This level of anonymity is tough.'

0:43:06 > 0:43:09- Can I talk to you? - No. No, I'm not interested, sorry.

0:43:11 > 0:43:12I've just lost my touch.

0:43:12 > 0:43:14Where's all my charm gone?

0:43:14 > 0:43:17I don't seem to be able to get people to stop and talk to me.

0:43:17 > 0:43:19Yeah, you have to work that much harder

0:43:19 > 0:43:22to be able to get people to engage with you, obviously, because

0:43:22 > 0:43:23they're not seeing your face.

0:43:23 > 0:43:26But, you know, you've got to make a lot more effort

0:43:26 > 0:43:28to be able to get that connection with somebody.

0:43:28 > 0:43:30I think what it is, I can't see you smile.

0:43:30 > 0:43:33- Yeah.- It's more the facial expression.

0:43:33 > 0:43:35- Yeah.- And you're used to looking at people in the face,

0:43:35 > 0:43:38and you sort of connect a bit more if you see someone's face.

0:43:38 > 0:43:40- Yeah.- My friend here doesn't have to worry

0:43:40 > 0:43:43about her body image when she's out, because she's all covered up.

0:43:43 > 0:43:46- What do you think of that?- I think you look very glamorous,

0:43:46 > 0:43:48even though you're not conscious of your own body image.

0:43:48 > 0:43:51- Do you think I look very glamorous? - Um...

0:43:51 > 0:43:53Well, yes.

0:43:53 > 0:43:55- Not as glamorous as... - Why are you hesitating over me?

0:43:55 > 0:43:59Well, I suppose you don't stand out as much, I think, in a way.

0:43:59 > 0:44:01Oh, what a shame.

0:44:01 > 0:44:04'Interestingly, with only our eyes on display,

0:44:04 > 0:44:06'we are still being judged.'

0:44:06 > 0:44:09Excuse me, I'm doing a programme about body image.

0:44:16 > 0:44:20That's a bit of a bold thing and not a gentlemanly thing to say.

0:44:24 > 0:44:27'And covering up doesn't avoid sexist opinions.'

0:44:34 > 0:44:36Ooh! That was stiff learning curve.

0:44:36 > 0:44:40First off, it's very hard to breathe with polyester

0:44:40 > 0:44:42covering half your face.

0:44:42 > 0:44:45Mumtaheena, of course, chooses to dress like she does

0:44:45 > 0:44:49because she wants to be judged by her intellect

0:44:49 > 0:44:51and not by how she looks.

0:44:52 > 0:44:55But, actually, passers-by kept running away from us,

0:44:55 > 0:44:58so we were being judged.

0:44:58 > 0:45:02I hadn't realised how much I rely on my face to convey - I don't know -

0:45:02 > 0:45:06sarcasm, wit, very occasionally charm.

0:45:07 > 0:45:11I'd hate to be invisible. I'd rather be judged.

0:45:13 > 0:45:16In London, it's image-obsessed Alex's turn

0:45:16 > 0:45:19to experience how carefree Danny lives.

0:45:21 > 0:45:22Oh.

0:45:22 > 0:45:26So this is where Danny finds himself.

0:45:32 > 0:45:34It reminds me of a set from Only Fools And Horses.

0:45:36 > 0:45:38It's like he's stuck in the past, you know.

0:45:40 > 0:45:44OK, so Danny's bedroom. Wow! Er...

0:45:45 > 0:45:48Clothes sprawled all over it.

0:45:48 > 0:45:50It's not great, it's not great!

0:45:50 > 0:45:54Didn't know clothes like this still existed, to be honest with you.

0:45:54 > 0:45:56What does Danny spend on his beauty regime?

0:45:56 > 0:45:59At a push, 25p a week.

0:46:00 > 0:46:03Doesn't look as though it's been used any time soon.

0:46:03 > 0:46:06It's got dust on the bottle, so I feel like I'd need a shower

0:46:06 > 0:46:10after using them. Toothpaste and some mouthwash.

0:46:10 > 0:46:11It's looking a bit bare.

0:46:11 > 0:46:13I know... You know, I know you talk basics,

0:46:13 > 0:46:15but that really is taking it basic.

0:46:18 > 0:46:20"Hello, welcome to my home.

0:46:20 > 0:46:24"I can wake up and be out of the house in seven minutes.

0:46:24 > 0:46:26"Five minutes if I'm trying hard.

0:46:26 > 0:46:29"And that includes a cup of coffee, too.

0:46:29 > 0:46:33"My 'beauty regime' involves soap and water.

0:46:33 > 0:46:35"All my clothing is about durability.

0:46:35 > 0:46:38"I haven't got any time for fancy brands.

0:46:38 > 0:46:41"I don't believe how you look is key to how you are."

0:46:41 > 0:46:45OK. I think that says it all.

0:46:47 > 0:46:49Matters massively to me, you know?

0:46:49 > 0:46:54I need to feel good, I need to feel confident in who I am.

0:46:54 > 0:46:59As Alex knows, Danny feels the opposite and, for the next 24 hours,

0:46:59 > 0:47:02it's Danny who will be calling the shots.

0:47:02 > 0:47:06For me, it's comfort.

0:47:06 > 0:47:08Comfort is everything.

0:47:08 > 0:47:09Rather than like a peacock.

0:47:10 > 0:47:14When you go out and you're sitting there, you're on show all the time.

0:47:14 > 0:47:16I've got a little surprise for you.

0:47:16 > 0:47:18It might be a little bit of a horror show for you.

0:47:18 > 0:47:20The designer stuff's coming off, mate.

0:47:20 > 0:47:21Let's go.

0:47:26 > 0:47:30Danny's determined to strip Alex of the clothing and products

0:47:30 > 0:47:35that Alex is convinced he needs to improve and boost his confidence.

0:47:36 > 0:47:38- Oh, God.- That is under a tenner.

0:47:38 > 0:47:40- You want me to wear these?- Yeah.

0:47:40 > 0:47:42Not outside, though, just inside, right?

0:47:42 > 0:47:45No, no, no. You wear them out, as well.

0:47:45 > 0:47:49Oh, God, mate. Are these yours? What are you doing?

0:47:49 > 0:47:52- I've toned you down a little bit, you peacock.- Mate!

0:47:54 > 0:47:58Um... Just looked down and I can see that what I'm wearing is atrocious.

0:48:00 > 0:48:03God! This is so far from what I'd wear.

0:48:03 > 0:48:07This being a continuing thing is a no, absolute zero chance.

0:48:07 > 0:48:08There we go. Can we have a selfie?

0:48:12 > 0:48:15- Next up...- Cheap and cheerful.

0:48:15 > 0:48:18..it's a trip to Danny's local barber. £10 for a haircut.

0:48:18 > 0:48:22Peanuts compared to what Alex is used to paying.

0:48:22 > 0:48:25It's a quality cut for a fraction of the price.

0:48:25 > 0:48:28- Mm.- But you're not as pampered.

0:48:28 > 0:48:29I like the pampering bit, though.

0:48:29 > 0:48:33And I just like feeling good, and I like looking good.

0:48:33 > 0:48:35It just gives me little boost of confidence.

0:48:35 > 0:48:39Big question for you. Have you ever felt self-conscious?

0:48:39 > 0:48:42The only thing I was ever worried about, I used to be a bit shy,

0:48:42 > 0:48:43a bit of a wallflower.

0:48:43 > 0:48:46But as I've got older, I've managed...

0:48:46 > 0:48:49I've realised the walls don't fall down when you move away from them.

0:48:49 > 0:48:52Other than that, I'm very relaxed,

0:48:52 > 0:48:55where you're still striving for perfection.

0:49:01 > 0:49:03Yeah, I'm pretty impressed, to be fair.

0:49:03 > 0:49:04Seriously am.

0:49:04 > 0:49:08- I've one more thing for you. - Right, OK, cool. What's this?

0:49:08 > 0:49:13- Facial wipes.- I'd like to see naked Alex for the rest of the day.

0:49:13 > 0:49:15- Naked?- No, no, no.

0:49:15 > 0:49:17Just take off all your products.

0:49:17 > 0:49:21Your creams and everything, and just have one day, an afternoon, with me.

0:49:21 > 0:49:24- Yeah.- As the real Alex. Well done.

0:49:27 > 0:49:30100%, I don't believe men need all this.

0:49:30 > 0:49:34Men have got by for millions of years without make-up and product.

0:49:34 > 0:49:38People just need to see the real man underneath the mascara

0:49:38 > 0:49:40and the lipstick and the rouge.

0:49:42 > 0:49:45That's pretty much it. Oh!

0:49:45 > 0:49:47Welcome to a man's world.

0:49:47 > 0:49:50Where the human beings live!

0:49:50 > 0:49:52# This is a man's world... #

0:49:54 > 0:49:56Danny's obviously trying...

0:49:56 > 0:49:59He's trying to strip me back to basics.

0:49:59 > 0:50:00He wants my personality to come out,

0:50:00 > 0:50:04rather than me just be stereotyped by the products,

0:50:04 > 0:50:07or the brands or the clothes that I wear.

0:50:07 > 0:50:11So, what do passers-by think of Alex's no-nonsense makeover?

0:50:11 > 0:50:14These look like two nice girls.

0:50:14 > 0:50:16Excuse me, ladies. Would it be possible

0:50:16 > 0:50:19for you to give me an opinion on my friend Alex here?

0:50:19 > 0:50:21He normally wears a lot of products like make-up -

0:50:21 > 0:50:25male make-up - and very expensive clothes.

0:50:25 > 0:50:28And we've stripped him down as naked as we can get him.

0:50:28 > 0:50:29Yeah, he looks fine.

0:50:29 > 0:50:32I might change the shoes, but aside from that...

0:50:32 > 0:50:34Glad you said that, because they wasn't my choice!

0:50:38 > 0:50:39Do you think he needs that?

0:50:39 > 0:50:41No, I don't think he needs that at all.

0:50:41 > 0:50:46You don't look particularly interested in your own image.

0:50:46 > 0:50:47Thank you very much.

0:50:49 > 0:50:53He normally wears facial lotions, and make-up.

0:50:53 > 0:50:56- Why? Why does he need it? - Yeah, why do you need it?

0:50:56 > 0:50:58This is what I've been trying to tell him.

0:50:58 > 0:51:02You look fine. You don't stand out.

0:51:02 > 0:51:04How do you think that reaction has made you feel?

0:51:04 > 0:51:09I was expecting a lot more negative comments as to, like,

0:51:09 > 0:51:13obviously the way I'm dressed and my skin and that kind of thing.

0:51:13 > 0:51:15But, yeah, it's quite eye opening, really.

0:51:15 > 0:51:17You shouldn't judge yourself too harshly.

0:51:17 > 0:51:19You've got to drop yourself from Crown Court

0:51:19 > 0:51:22down to Magistrates' Court when you're judging yourself.

0:51:25 > 0:51:27After spending time together,

0:51:27 > 0:51:31have Danny and Alex learned anything from each other?

0:51:31 > 0:51:33How do you feel today, Alex?

0:51:33 > 0:51:36I've discovered that, you know, it's nice to look after yourself,

0:51:36 > 0:51:38but it's definitely not the be all and end all.

0:51:38 > 0:51:41What I've took away from you is maybe that, sometimes,

0:51:41 > 0:51:43I should take a bit more care.

0:51:43 > 0:51:44I might use a bit of hand cream.

0:51:45 > 0:51:49And I'm going to spend 20 minutes on myself when I go out tonight.

0:51:49 > 0:51:52And that's a promise.

0:51:52 > 0:51:56Social media is packed with examples of what passes for excellence

0:51:56 > 0:51:58in the world of perfect bodies.

0:51:58 > 0:52:01Bikini bridges - AKA bony hips.

0:52:01 > 0:52:04Finger trapping - having a small nose.

0:52:04 > 0:52:05And the thigh gap -

0:52:05 > 0:52:07being thin enough

0:52:07 > 0:52:08for inner thighs not to touch.

0:52:10 > 0:52:13This London comedian became an internet sensation

0:52:13 > 0:52:15for sending the whole thing up.

0:52:15 > 0:52:17Like now, my issues are my thighs!

0:52:17 > 0:52:20Oh, my God, my thighs are touching each other!

0:52:20 > 0:52:23Oh, my God, everybody can see! Can you see it? Can you see it?

0:52:23 > 0:52:26Oh, my God! Oh, my God!

0:52:26 > 0:52:28My thighs are touching each other!

0:52:28 > 0:52:33Oh, my God, it's so humiliating! My thighs are touching each other!

0:52:33 > 0:52:35Send me away to the circus,

0:52:35 > 0:52:38call me a freak whose thighs are touching each other!

0:52:40 > 0:52:42LAUGHTER AND WHISTLING

0:52:45 > 0:52:47And I don't like it that it's popular now

0:52:47 > 0:52:49to be self-deprecating and we put each other down, right?

0:52:49 > 0:52:51And even worse, we put ourselves down.

0:52:51 > 0:52:54I saw a friend the other day. I said, "Babe, you look great.

0:52:54 > 0:52:55"That's a nice dress."

0:52:55 > 0:52:57Do you know what her response was to "that's a nice dress"?

0:52:57 > 0:53:00She went "Oh, this? Oh, yeah, I got it in the sale three years ago.

0:53:00 > 0:53:04"It was really cheap, but I bought it. It doesn't really suit me any more because when I bought it I was

0:53:04 > 0:53:06"really skinny and I've put on loads of weight.

0:53:06 > 0:53:08"I didn't think I'd see anybody and I've left the house and seen you.

0:53:08 > 0:53:10"Oh, my God, this is so humiliating!

0:53:10 > 0:53:15"You're seeing me in this dress, I hate myself, I hate myself,

0:53:15 > 0:53:17"I hate myself!"

0:53:17 > 0:53:18After a compliment!

0:53:20 > 0:53:24Louisa posted her thigh-gap sketch on Facebook,

0:53:24 > 0:53:27and so far it's been watched by 40 million.

0:53:27 > 0:53:29Yes, 40 million viewers - the majority women.

0:53:32 > 0:53:34I'm in an Islington pub to watch Louisa

0:53:34 > 0:53:39and see why her gig has proved to be such an online success.

0:53:40 > 0:53:43You know what I've noticed recently? We like to judge a lot, don't we?

0:53:43 > 0:53:45We like to judge.

0:53:45 > 0:53:49For example. Since when is my weight any of your goddamn business, right?

0:53:49 > 0:53:53Since when? But it annoys me when people comment what I look like.

0:53:53 > 0:53:55Babe, I like this. So what I've got a bit of a belly? And what?

0:53:55 > 0:53:57What makes you think I want to lose that?

0:53:57 > 0:53:59This means I go out to dinner with friends.

0:53:59 > 0:54:02That's what this means. Thank you for being such a wonderful audience.

0:54:02 > 0:54:05I'm Luisa Omielan, big love. Thank you, goodnight.

0:54:09 > 0:54:11A terrific performance.

0:54:11 > 0:54:13Where did it all begin?

0:54:13 > 0:54:16I like to comment on things that I think are ridiculous.

0:54:16 > 0:54:18I noticed going out to dinner with friends that

0:54:18 > 0:54:20they'd be really fussy about what they're eating,

0:54:20 > 0:54:22or we'd plan for weeks to go out for a nice meal,

0:54:22 > 0:54:25and then we'd go to really fancy restaurant and they'd order a salad.

0:54:25 > 0:54:28And I was like, this is ridiculous. Why are you not ordering the steak?

0:54:28 > 0:54:31It's a steak restaurant. And so I started ridiculing things like that.

0:54:31 > 0:54:35I think you have to be brave enough to go, "This is it, this is here,

0:54:35 > 0:54:38"I'm OK with it. You need to be OK with yours."

0:54:38 > 0:54:41People, they're dying to hear a refreshing,

0:54:41 > 0:54:45truthful voice on body image and self-love and self-acknowledgement,

0:54:45 > 0:54:48rather than berating women all the time.

0:54:48 > 0:54:50We're criticised constantly for our age, for our weight,

0:54:50 > 0:54:51what we look like.

0:54:51 > 0:54:53It's so ridiculous that having a gap in between your

0:54:53 > 0:54:55thighs, like, your legs touch.

0:54:55 > 0:54:57Like, they're actually touch. That's ridiculous that that's a fad,

0:54:57 > 0:54:59and that's the thing. That's what I'm mocking.

0:54:59 > 0:55:02That's what I want you to laugh at. And that's why I show it to you,

0:55:02 > 0:55:04so you can say, can you see how ridiculous this is?

0:55:04 > 0:55:05But some of the guys just like

0:55:05 > 0:55:07looking at your thighs and your knickers.

0:55:07 > 0:55:10Well, listen, it's a part of the job, isn't it, I guess.

0:55:10 > 0:55:12It's... It's what you get!

0:55:12 > 0:55:16So what do you worry about in terms of how you look?

0:55:16 > 0:55:19Making sure I've got nice braids, nice hair.

0:55:19 > 0:55:21- And do you colour your hair? - I do colour my hair, yeah.

0:55:21 > 0:55:23OK. You do things to improve yourself, don't you?

0:55:23 > 0:55:26- Yeah, of course. - So have you plucked your eyebrows?

0:55:26 > 0:55:28- Yeah.- Do you shave under your arms?

0:55:28 > 0:55:31- Of course, yeah.- And when you see yourself naked...

0:55:31 > 0:55:34- Yeah.- ..in front of the mirror, what do you think?

0:55:34 > 0:55:36Bow-chicka-wow-wow!

0:55:36 > 0:55:41- She is the strongest link. - Whoo! Goodbye!

0:55:41 > 0:55:42Thank you so much!

0:55:42 > 0:55:45- Thank you so much for coming.- Well done.- Thanks, Anne, take care!

0:55:45 > 0:55:47I think Louisa speaks for millions of women

0:55:47 > 0:55:49worried about the thigh gap.

0:55:49 > 0:55:53Or rather worried about having a big belly and no gap between their

0:55:53 > 0:55:56thighs. And she's girlie enough to colour her hair,

0:55:56 > 0:56:00to have a bikini wax, to pluck her eyebrows,

0:56:00 > 0:56:05but she refuses to join in the angst about the flawless figure.

0:56:05 > 0:56:06Very cheering, don't you think?

0:56:06 > 0:56:10A young voice striking out and making a joke

0:56:10 > 0:56:13against the trend for perfection.

0:56:22 > 0:56:25There is nothing new about body obsession - I'm a good example -

0:56:25 > 0:56:28but the pressures now are different and greater.

0:56:29 > 0:56:32Social media, television, newspapers,

0:56:32 > 0:56:36magazines have to take their share of the blame.

0:56:36 > 0:56:40They definitely encourage youngsters like Jack in Liverpool

0:56:40 > 0:56:42to have his face pulled out of shape,

0:56:42 > 0:56:47and made those lovely Scouse girls desperate to ape Kim Kardashian.

0:56:47 > 0:56:51All of which seems to provide a lot of anxiety, and not much fun.

0:56:52 > 0:56:56Whereas Miriam and Danny, and Wendy and Mike,

0:56:56 > 0:57:00who couldn't care less how they look, are much happier with life.

0:57:00 > 0:57:03Diets, daily gym workouts, plastic surgery all help,

0:57:03 > 0:57:07but, actually, the most effective way to feel good about our bodies

0:57:07 > 0:57:09is to stop worrying about them!

0:57:09 > 0:57:11What's wrong with being ugly?

0:57:11 > 0:57:15Nothing! It's learning to live with what we've got

0:57:15 > 0:57:17that's proving to be tricky.