Body Image

A healthy body image is an important part of a growing individual’s self-esteem especially in this day and age. Both females and males often face significant pressure to look attractive. The quest for a perfect body or appearance can take a heavy toll, though. Find out what you can do to help your daughter develop and maintain a healthy body image and self-esteem.

• Maintaining a healthy body image during adolescence, a period of major physical and emotional changes, can be difficult. Factors that might harm a girl’s body image include:
  • Natural weight gain and other changes caused by puberty
  • Peer pressure to look a certain way
  • Media images that promote the ideal female body as thin
  • Having a mother or father who’s overly concerned about their own weight or their teen’s weight or appearance

  Research suggests that seeing material that sexually objectifies girls — where a girl is seen as a thing for others’ sexual use rather than an independent, thinking person — can also have a harmful effect.

  Consequences of a negative body image

  Body image can affect how a girl feels about herself. If your daughter doesn’t live up to her ideal body image, she might begin to feel inadequate and ashamed of her body. This can increase the risk of low self-esteem, depression and eating disorders.

  A negative body image can harm girls’ nutrition, causing them to skip meals or take diet pills. Some individuals may try to control their weight by smoking or change their appearance by buying beauty products or getting cosmetic surgery. Having a negative body image might affect a female’s comfort with her sexuality or reproductive body functions, such as menstruation or breast-feeding, as she gets older.

  Spending time worrying about their bodies and how they measure up can also take away from individuals’ ability to concentrate on other pursuits.

  Talking about body image

  Talking about body image with your daughter or son can help them become comfortable in her own skin. When you discuss body image, you might:

  • Explain the effects of puberty. Make sure your daughter or son understands that weight gain is a normal part of their development, especially during puberty.
  • Talk about media messages. Television programs, movies, music videos, websites, magazines and even some toys might send the message that only a certain body type is acceptable and that maintaining an attractive appearance is the most important goal. Check out what your daughter or son is reading or watching and discuss it. Encourage them to question what they see and hear.
  • Monitor Internet use. Teens use social networking sites and services to share pictures and receive feedback. Awareness of others’ judgments can make teens feel self-conscious about their looks. Set rules for your teen’s Internet use and talk about what she’s posting and viewing.
  • Discuss self-image. Offer reassurance that healthy body shapes vary. Ask them what they likes about themselves and explain what you like about them, too. Your acceptance and respect can help them build self-esteem and resilience.
  • Use positive language. Rather than talking about “fat” and “thin,” encourage your daughter or son to focus on eating a healthy diet and staying physically active. Discourage family and friends from using hurtful nicknames and joking about people who are overweight.

  Other strategies to promote a healthy body image

  In addition to talking to your daughter or son about a healthy body image, you might:

  • Team up with your family doctor. Your family doctor can help your daughter or son set realistic goals for BMI and weight based on their personal weight history and overall health.
  • Help establish healthy eating habits. Offer healthy meals and snacks.
  • Counter negative media messages. Expose your daughter or son to people who are famous for their achievements — not their appearance. For example, read books or watch movies about inspiring people.
  • Praise achievements. Help your daughter or son value what they do, rather than what they looks like. Look for opportunities to praise their efforts, skills and achievements.
  • Promote physical activity. Participating in sports and other physical activities, particularly those that don’t emphasize a particular weight or body shape; as it can help promote good self-esteem and a positive body image.
  • Encourage positive friendships. Friends who accept and support your teen can be a healthy influence.
  • Set a good example. Remind your daughter or son that you exercise and eat a healthy diet for your health, not just to look a certain way. Also think about what you read and watch as well as the products you buy and the message your choices send.

  When to consult a Health Professional

  If your daughter or son is struggling with a negative body image, consider professional counseling. Additional support might give your daughter or son the tools they need to counter social pressure and feel good about their body.