WHERE DO BODY IMAGE PROBLEMS COME FROM?

In my last blog post, I discussed how to improve body image problems. As an eating disorder therapist and anxiety therapist in Plano, TX, I talk about this topic every day with clients. It may seem just a rite of passage for kids. Yet, negative body image is linked to poor self-esteem, school problems, social anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.

In this post, I discuss where negative body image comes from. This is important because we aren't born hating our bodies! We learn this from a very young age. Unfortunately, it's so subtle that we don't notice it. It's accepted as a normal part of growing up so we don't question it. We even celebrate it, believing that it's ok to be unhappy with our bodies because this keeps us "in control" and "healthy." 

But it's not something to ignore! Research shows that hating your body is likely to lead to depression, isolation, low self-esteem, and eating disorders.

WHAT IS BODY SHAME?

My favorite definition of body image, from body image expert Signe Darpinian, is the image of your body you have in your mind, and how you feel about it. Body shame is feeling there is something wrong with your body.

HOW DOES BODY SHAME DEVELOP?

The factors that contribute to body shame vary from person to person. But, several common influences play a big role in its development. Below I break them down into problems that arise in childhood, and those that arise in adulthood. 

BODY IMAGE PROBLEMS IN CHILDHOOD

Childhood experiences play a big role. They shape a person's relationship with their body. Here are some key ways that childhood affects the development of body shame:

DOCTOR VISITS CAN LEAD TO BODY SHAME

This can happen when there is too much focus on height and weight, and not enough on other key parts of the child's life and health. Healthcare providers' comments about ideal weight or weight changes can make kids ashamed of their bodies. This is particularly true if the kid is at risk of other mental health problems, especially eating disorders. 

As an eating disorder therapist in Plano, I hear about bad experiences with doctors a lot. One client began gaining weight in puberty. Her pediatrician told her she "could stand to lose a few pounds." She eventually entered a treatment center for an eating disorder. Her treatment team explained that weight gain is completely normal during puberty. It's even necessary for development. She said this doctor's insensitivity made her very anxious about medical care. She avoided doctors more and more as she entered adulthood. 

PEERS CAN IMPACT BODY IMAGE

It's no secret that childhood is full of teasing. It's common for teasing to target appearance and body size. This adds to feelings of shame and insecurity. People may make direct remarks about being "too fat" or "too thin." Or, they may make comparisons to beauty standards. These interactions can greatly affect a child's body image. For a sensitive kid, or one with mental health issues in their family history, this can be devastating. 

SPORTS CAN INCREASE BODY IMAGE ISSUES

Coaches in sports or physical activities often focus too much on weight. They link performance to body size or shape. This can pressure children to fit certain body ideals. This can lead to shame if they see themselves as falling short. One study showed that kids often quit sports due to poor body image. Sports should be inclusive of all body shapes and sizes. After all, physical activity has mental and physical health benefits for all bodies.

Other studies find that sports that emphasize appearance, weight requirements, or muscularity put athletes at risk of body shaming by coaches. These can lead to body image problems and eating disorders. Coaches, parents, and sports organizations should promote good body image among young athletes. They should create an environment of acceptance and support. It should not be one of criticism and judgment.

PARENTS CAN NEGATIVELY IMPACT BODY IMAGE

Parents' concerns about their children's weight and health can also influence body image. While well-intentioned, comments or behaviors related to weight management may inadvertently contribute to feelings of shame or self-doubt.

SOCIAL MEDIA OFTEN CAUSES BODY SHAME

Higher-weight children are often portrayed negatively in the media, with stereotypes depicting them as the butt of jokes or always eating. These portrayals reinforce harmful stereotypes and contribute to the stigmatization of larger bodies, fostering feelings of shame and inadequacy in children who do not fit societal beauty norms.

TRAUMA OR NEGATIVE EXPERIENCES CAN CAUSE BODY SHAME

Traumatic events, like abuse, impact one's self-esteem and body image. Survivors of trauma may come to feel shame about their bodies due to the abuse. This can lead to deep feelings of unworthiness or disgust. Researchers think they may turn to eating disorder behaviors to feel better. Changing their body may bring relief. 

In summary, many events in childhood can harm a body image. Parents, educators, and peers all play crucial roles. So do healthcare providers. We can all do better. It's essential to create supportive places that encourage body positivity and self-confidence in kids. 

BODY IMAGE PROBLEMS IN ADULTHOOD

As individuals transition into adulthood, societal pressures and experiences continue to shape their perceptions of their bodies. Here are some key ways in which adulthood influences contribute to the perpetuation of body shame:

FAMILY/FRIENDS

Adults may encounter comments or judgments from others regarding their appearance, such as remarks like "she really let herself go" or unsolicited opinions about weight gain or changes in physical appearance. These comments can contribute to feelings of shame and self-consciousness about one's body.

MEDICAL STIGMATIZATION

In medical settings, individuals may experience stigmatization related to their weight, with doctors linking almost any health complaint to weight. This narrow focus on weight as the primary determinant of health can lead to feelings of shame and frustration, particularly for individuals who are struggling with chronic health conditions.

MEDIA/CULTURAL INFLUENCES ON BODY IMAGE

The media often perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards and anti-aging messages, promoting the idea that youthfulness and thinness are synonymous with beauty and worth. Advertisements, television shows, and magazines frequently feature celebrities and models who epitomize these standards, creating pressure for individuals to conform to unrealistic ideals.

Celebrities and public figures are often held up as examples of beauty and success, contributing to the perpetuation of unrealistic images and standards. The constant scrutiny of celebrities' bodies in the media can reinforce the idea that achieving a certain body type is essential for validation and acceptance.

TRAUMA/NEGATIVE EXPERIENCES

Overall, these adulthood influences contribute to the perpetuation of body shame and dissatisfaction with one's appearance. It's essential to recognize and challenge these societal messages to promote body acceptance and self-love. By advocating for body diversity and challenging unrealistic beauty standards, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all individuals, regardless of their size or shape.

HOW CAN YOU EXPLORE BODY SHAME?

Exploring body image history is an activity I do with my clients in eating disorder therapy. You can do this on your own by creating a body image timeline. 

CREATE A TIMELINE FROM BIRTH TO PRESENT

Think about events that shaped how you feel about your body. Include times you learned about your family's or culture's beliefs about bodies and how they affected you. 

REFLECT THROUGH DISCUSSION AND JOURNALING

Take your time with this. It can be emotional. Doing this with a therapist or supportive person can help. You could get creative expressing feelings or thoughts that come up as you consider what you've learned. Perhaps vow to no longer allow the past to control you! 

WRITE A LETTER TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF 

Be kind and gentle with yourself. It’s important to grieve what you’ve been through with your body. 

Have body image issues started to impact your life in major ways? Perhaps body image problems have led to anxiety or even disordered eating. I would love to help you explore this more and improve your relationship with your body! I can help. I have over 20 years of experience helping adults improve their mental health. I specialize in anxiety and eating disorders like binge eating, emotional eating and overeating, anorexia and bulimia. I offer in-person sessions at my Plano office and online therapy in Texas. Contact me for a free 15-minute phone consultation and take the first step toward recovery. If I can't help, I can connect you to another great therapist!