Ep 310: Helping Teens Develop Positive Body Image

Charlotte Markey, author of Adultish, joins us to discuss teen
body image and well-being, sharing research-based strategies for
fostering body gratitude and combating diet culture.


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that works—delivered at home. Visit equip.health/talking for more
information, and a free consultation.


Full Show Notes





As a parent, you want your teen to feel confident, secure, and
comfortable in their own skin. However, in today’s
image-conscious society, this is no easy feat. From
advertisements filled with unrealistic standards to the pressures
of social media, teens face significant challenges that can
negatively impact their body image and overall mental
health. 


Even the most well-meaning parents can inadvertently contribute
to their teens' body image issues. The messages we send through
our own actions and words can sometimes do more harm than good.
Understanding these subtleties is crucial for promoting a
healthier self-view in our teenagers.


Today, we’re diving into the science behind teen body image with
Dr. Charlotte Markey, an expert in body image, eating behaviors,
and weight management for over 25 years, and author of four
books, including the latest, "Adultish: The Body Image Book for
Life." Charlotte is here to provide valuable insights into how
body image develops during the transition to adulthood and shares
practical advice on how parents can guide their teens through
this vulnerable period.


The Power of Body Gratitude


One of the fundamental strategies Charlotte emphasizes is
practicing body gratitude and appreciation. Rather than focusing
on our perceived flaws, we should highlight the aspects of our
bodies that we like or appreciate. Charlotte discusses the
importance of reversing the negative internal narratives that
many of us - and our children - have internalized over the years.


By fostering a culture at home where positive body talk is
normalized, parents can help their teens develop a more
affirmative and appreciative relationship with their bodies. She
shares simple, research-backed exercises that parents and teens
can do together to promote body gratitude, which can have
immediate positive effects on body image and general well-being.


Battling Diet Culture


Diet culture is pervasive and often sends harmful messages about
body image and self-worth. Charlotte takes a firm stand against
these messages, arguing that most popular dieting methods are not
only ineffective but can also be harmful. Instead, she advocates
for intuitive eating - a philosophy that encourages individuals
to listen to their body’s hunger and fullness cues and to eat in
a way that feels natural and satisfying.


She breaks down ways parents can combat diet culture at home by
modeling intuitive eating and creating a positive food
environment that doesn’t demonize certain foods or glorify
others. Charlotte also gives pointers on how to talk to your
teens about diet culture critically, helping them recognize and
resist its harmful influences.


Social Media and Body Image


Social media can be a double-edged sword. While it offers
incredible connectivity, it also exposes teens to continuous
comparisons and unrealistic body standards. Charlotte elaborates
on research showing the negative impacts of social media on teen
body image and mental health, and she offers practical advice for
mitigating these effects. 


She suggests having open, critical discussions about the content
teens interact with on social platforms, encouraging them to
follow positive and inspiring profiles while unfollowing those
that focus on unrealistic beauty standards. Limiting daily social
media use can also lead to significant improvements in mental
health and reduce anxiety and FOMO (fear of missing out).


Fostering Resilient Body Image


Parents play a pivotal role in shaping their teens’ body image
and self-esteem. Charlotte discusses the importance of open
communication and creating a home environment where body
positivity and self-acceptance are the norms. She shares tips on
how parents can better support their teens by offering
non-judgmental spaces for discussion and by validating their
feelings and experiences.


In the Episode...


Listening to this episode will equip you with effective
strategies for promoting a healthier body image in your teens.
You'll learn about:


The role of body gratitude in improving self-image

Combating diet culture and promoting intuitive eating

The impact of social media on teen body image

Developing a supportive home environment for positive body
image

Identifying maladaptive appearance investments

Teaching teens how to support peers struggling with body
image issues



This conversation with Charlotte is an enlightening look into the
science behind teen body image and how parents can make a
significant positive impact. For more insights, follow Charlotte
on Instagram and TikTok at @char_markey. Don't forget to share
and subscribe to Talking to Teens to catch all our upcoming
episodes.





Sponsored by Equip: Eating disorder treatment
that works—delivered at home. Visit equip.health/talking for more
information, and a free consultation.