Healthy Body and Self Image: Empowering your teen

Raise Your Hand If…

Facts and Statics 95% of people with eating disorders are between the ages of 12 and 25. Between 5 and 10 million women in the U.S. currently suffer from eating disorders. Gear magazine reports that 1 in 6 cases of eating disorders diagnosed are in men. Approximately 91% of women are unhappy with their bodies and resort to dieting to achieve their ideal body shape. Only 5% of women naturally possess the body type often portrayed by Americans in the media. (

The Progression

Men and Body Image The rate of eating disorders among college men ranges from 4-10%. The prevalence of binge eating is the same among men and women. Male body image concerns have dramatically increased over the past three decades from 15% to 43% of men being dissatisfied with their bodies. Men are often more concerned with a combination of issues related to weight, body shape and strength. Men are less likely to seek help. (NEDA, 2012)

Eating Disorders Anorexia Nervosa Bulimia Nervosa Binge Eating Disorder/Compulsive overeating What are signs your teen might need help? (Mazzeo & Bulik, 2009)

Media Messages

Photoshop Disasters

What’s the difference? Body Image: –The way someone perceives their body and assumes others perceive them. – This image is often affected by family, friends, social pressure and the media. (dosomething.org) Self Image: –The idea, conception, or mental image one has of oneself. –A number of self- impressions that have built up over time, they can be positive or negative (

How can we empower our teens? “Empowerment is a multi-dimensional social process that helps people gain control over their own lives. It is a process that fosters power in people, for use in their own lives, their communities, and in their society” (Page & Czuba, 1999)

Challenge: Fat Talk Free ®Week Fat Talk Free® Week is an international, 5-day body activism campaign to draw attention to body image issues and the damaging impact of the 'thin ideal' on women and men in society. The Purpose: Educate others about the damaging impact of pursuing the thin ideal and the use of fat talk on women of all ages Inspire change in the way we think and feel about our bodies Promote a healthy lifestyle and one that urges individuals to live a balanced life in mind, body & spirit.

Thin Ideal vs. Healthy Ideal Thin Ideal Implies that a certain look results in success, happiness, or confidence It negates so many qualities that truly define who we are Healthy Ideal This ideal come in all shapes and sizes and looks different for everyone. It is a way of life achieved in mind, body and spirit. It places emphasis on relationships, nutrition, exercise and self esteem to positively impact our body image and our confidence The Healthy Ideal doesn‘t include fat talk

When you change the conversation with yourself, you will change the conversation with others.

Resources pdated pdfhttp://eatingdisorderscoalition.org/documents/TalkingpointsEatingDisordersFactSheetU pdated pdf