Body Image in Young Adults
Body image issues are pervasive in today’s society. Approximately 91% of women are unhappy with their bodies, while only 5% of women naturally have the supposedly “ideal” body type as portrayed in the media. A negative body image in young adults can lead to many adverse effects, such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
It is especially important to reach out to young adults regarding a healthy body image, as 95% of people with eating disorders are between the ages of 12 and 25. Additionally, it is crucial to keep in mind that body image issues do not only affect women and girls, despite common stereotypes. Research suggests that 10% of people treated for eating disorders are male.
In teenagers and young adults, there are many causes of body image issues. The list below, while certainly not exhaustive, contains some of the most common factors in the development of a negative body image.
- Natural weight gain and body changes due to puberty
- Peer pressure/negative friend group
- Cultural differences and expectations
- Unreasonable body image expectations from media images, celebrities, etc.
- Family members or trusted adults who are overly concerned with their own weight or appearance or their teen’s weight or appearance
- Exposure to material that sexualizes young people
In encouraging positive body image, the most important component is encouraging and open communication regarding changing bodies and outside influences. You can’t completely control the messages that young women are exposed to on a daily basis, but you can help them process and deconstruct these messages in a healthy manner.
Tips for encouraging positive body image in teens and young adults:
- Set a positive body image example: Young women look up to the trusted adults in their lives to model appropriate behavior and expectations. Be mindful of the language that you use regarding your own body and avoid criticizing others’ bodies.
- Communicate about puberty and body changes: Puberty is a confusing time for any teen to navigate, especially when dealing with seemingly random and rapid changes in their mental, emotional, and physical states. As a parent, teacher, or other trusted adult, you can help your teen deal with this difficult experience with open and honest communication regarding what to expect and how to process it, especially reassuring them that they are not alone and that what they are going through is completely normal.
- Encourage positive friendships: Help the young women in your life build an accepting and caring friend group. Teenagers are heavily influenced by their peers, so while you cannot (and should not) choose their friends for them, you can encourage them to gravitate towards people who share their values and goals.
- Foster healthy habits rather than a certain body type: Instead of focusing on a certain ideal weight or body size, encourage your teen to choose healthy foods that make them feel good and are also tasty.
- Discuss media and cultural messages: Encourage your teen to question messages from social media, the Internet, television, etc., especially regarding body pressures.
- Praise achievements: Compliment teenagers on their achievements, efforts, and skills, rather than appearance.
- Promote enjoyable physical activity: Help your teen to find enjoyable physical activities. Make exercise about fun and feeling good rather than achieving a certain body type.