One study seeking to gain expert consensus on ways for parents to support healthy body image and eating habits found that parents should seek to: model positive behaviour around body image avoid criticising their own appearance or that of others, and model healthy eating and activity ; praise their children on qualities unrelated to physical appearance; teach children that people have value and deserve respect regardless of their body shape or size; support children to express emotions and communicate their feelings about their bodies; help children develop strategies for coping with comments about appearance, and avoid placing unrealistic expectations on appearance or conveying that they would be more likeable if they changed their weight or shape One review of the research found some support for classroom-based body image programmes that address media literacy, self-esteem and peer influences; however, where it was measured in the longer term, few studies showed sustained results Whole-school approaches that create supportive spaces for students and health promotion approaches that focus on the social and well-being benefits of physical activity rather than benefits for weight loss and muscle building may also be effective Young people participating in MH2:K, a peer-led programme about youth mental health and wellbeing, have recommended that, to address the influence of the media and social media, we should: provide resources to parents that help them to support young people online in a way that balances independence and safety, and encourage social media sites to include an option to hide followers, likes and comments It may also be important to help young people be media-critical, as media literacy may be a protective factor for body image 37, For individuals with chronic physical illnesses such as cancer, there is evidence to support the use of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy and psychotherapeutic interventions, as well as some support for educational approaches for improving body image in cancer patients 86, In addition, when considering cancer treatment, patients should be informed about the potential side effects of treatment on sexuality and fertility and how this can affect body image.

It may be beneficial to include partners in this decision-making process Some studies have trialled dance and movement therapy for individuals with learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorder, which may positively affect body awareness and wellbeing.

However, the research in this area is still developing 93, Young people with autism who reported having functional strategies for challenges in their daily lives reported feeling more positively towards their bodies and proud of their abilities, suggesting that this may be a potential avenue to support body awareness and body image For individuals with longer-term mental health conditions who have been prescribed medication, it is important to consider the impact of medication on quality of life, body image, and self-esteem alongside its effectiveness for treating and managing mental health problems.

There is some support for approaches such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy and counselling in aiding in offsetting some of these negative effects Given that body image concerns are likely to be experienced in childhood, including for ethnic minority children and adolescents , school-based programmes that educate and encourage all students to have a positive body image may help to prevent body image concerns from developing Strategies promoting body appreciation or enhancing a positive body image rather than simply decreasing body dissatisfaction may also be effective , There is, however, a clear need to increase representation and diversity among participants as interventions and campaigns have mostly targeted predominantly White, female and middle-class populations, and few are culturally specific This would help us to understand whether these interventions are effective for different groups.

This also reinforces the need for greater diversity in advertising and the media and social media images to support and foster a more diverse view of bodily ideals.

Support for the LGBT population should undoubtedly be tailored for the specific group. A more holistic stance on body image that addresses the psychological and social aspects of body image would be welcome , There is evidence that behavioural interventions might effectively reduce body dissatisfaction Interventions that focus on minority stressors and help to bolster self-esteem could also be beneficial , Peer approaches should be explored further, as they have the potential to help transgender young people to develop healthy coping strategies Furthermore, training for staff on LGBT-specific issues could enhance the sensitivity and appropriateness of interventions Feeling unhappy with our appearance is a relatively common experience.

The Mental Health Foundation conducted a survey with YouGov in March of 4, UK adults. As in childhood and adolescence, increased body dissatisfaction in adulthood has been linked to an increased likelihood of depressive symptoms, psychological distress 8 and disordered eating and eating disorders.

Positive body image in adulthood has been linked to better overall wellbeing and quality of life. Body image and appearance, while often associated with younger people, are not exclusive to youth. Though our appearance and our relationship with our bodies change as we age, we do not stop valuing our bodies, and body image concerns can remain.

While people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender LGBT experience body image concerns in ways that are generally similar to those who identify as heterosexual, their experience and relationship with their bodies are likely to differ in specific ways.

Sharpe H, Naumann U, Treasure J, Schmidt U. Is fat talking a causal risk factor for body dissatisfaction? A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Eating Disorders.

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Public reactions to obesity-related health campaigns: A randomized controlled trial. Am J Prev Med. Alleva JM, Diedrichs PC, Halliwell E, Martijn C, Stuijfzand BG, Treneman-Evans G, et al. Body Image. Bassett-Gunter R, McEwan D, Kamarhie A. Physical activity and body image among men and boys: A meta-analysis.

Campbell A, Hausenblas HA. Effects of exercise interventions on body image: A meta-analysis. J Health Psychol. Santa Barbara NJ, Whitworth JW, Ciccolo JT.

A systematic review of the effects of resistance training on body image. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Griffiths C, Williamson H, Zucchelli F, Paraskeva N, Moss T. A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ACT for Body Image Dissatisfaction and Weight Self-Stigma in Adults.

J Contemp Psychother. Linardon J, Gleeson J, Yap K, Murphy K, Brennan L. Meta-analysis of the effects of third-wave behavioural interventions on disordered eating and body image concerns: implications for eating disorder prevention.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Alleva JM, Sheeran P, Webb TL, Martijn C, Miles E. A meta-analytic review of stand-alone interventions to improve body image. Tovée MJ, editor. Sometimes reaching out to other people can help you feel better about yourself and make a positive change in our world.

If you or someone you know is struggling with negative body image, there are resources on campus that can help. Counseling and Psychiatric Services CAPS provides drop-in, individual and group counseling services online through telehealth. They also offer online workshops to address common concerns that students are experiencing.

Through this program, students can meet briefly with a counselor to get insight, formulate solutions and learn about resources. Call to get connected with CAPS services. Student Health Portal. Advocacy and Support.

Search Enter the terms you wish to search for. Other ways to search: Events Calendar Campus Map. Here are 5 ways to get started: Post positive affirmations If you find yourself critiquing your body in front of the mirror, posting positive affirmations may help.

Here are some examples you can try: I am happy to be me. My appearance does not define my value. I am worthy. I will honor and respect my body through these changes. I am smart, strong, capable, etc. Surround yourself with positive people Feeling good about yourself and your body is easier when the people around you are supportive and recognize the importance of positive self image.

Shine a light on social media Who do you see on social media? For example, take them for strolls in the pram. Use walks to encourage them to engage their whole body with the environment, using sights, smells, sounds and touch.

Considering engaging your family as a whole in regular activities that involve physical activity — for example, going for a walk or bicycle ride, dancing, gardening, playing backyard cricket, tennis or swimming.

Emphasise fitness, health, social interaction and enjoyment as the motivations for physical activity, rather than for weight loss or weight management, or to change body size or shape. Try to find a team sport your child enjoys. Team sports encourage camaraderie, teamwork, competition and mastery of physical skills.

A child who feels passionate about their sport is more likely to continue playing sport into adulthood. Investigate associations or clubs carefully and make informed decisions about sports or activities that have a strong emphasis on a particular body size or shape, such as thinness or muscular form.

Vulnerable children may feel pressured to lose weight or change their body size or shape to participate in these activities. Suggestions include: Encourage problem solving, expression of feelings, opinions and individuality.

Providing opportunities for your child to problem solve will help them to build confidence in their abilities. This includes getting enough rest, engaging in relaxing and soothing activities for example, going for a walk, listening to music, cuddling a pet , talking to someone and asking for help.

Encourage them to be assertive if they feel they have been mistreated. Listen to their concerns about their appearance, body size and shape. Puberty can be a worrying time.

Reassure them that their physical changes are normal and that everyone develops at different times and rates. Even seemingly friendly nicknames can be hurtful if they focus on some aspect of their appearance. Place value on their personal qualities, skills, talents and interests.

Help them to celebrate these aspects of themselves. Make them feel they have an important role in the family for example, give them age-appropriate household tasks. Tell them what a valuable contribution they make to the running of the house.

Issues may include: Bullying or teasing about physical appearance is a known risk factor for poor body image. Make sure the school has an effective anti-bullying policy. If your child is being bullied, contact the principal or the wellbeing team immediately.

Peer pressure can contribute to poor body image if the peer group is concerned with physical appearance and particular appearance ideals, such as thinness or muscularity.

Talk to the school about their body image programs. If you think your child is spending time with peers who are focused on these appearance ideals, try to arrange opportunities for them to mix with other children.

Once again, team sports could be a valuable avenue, since the emphasis is on how the person plays, not what they look like.