Beauty has been democratised. No longer the preserve of movie stars and models but available to all. But while the invitation to beauty is welcomed, it has become not so much an option as an imperative.

The insistence that the commercialisation of the body is a fit subject for political discussion and intervention is well overdue.

I'm a therapist and that fascinates people because they think I carry secrets.

There is no such thing as a neutral therapist.

Many young girls are constantly consumed by controlling and managing their body image to the extent that they are much more involved in the production of the self than in living.

Bodies are becoming our personal mission to tame, extend and perfect.

In general, the Western body has become a global brand.