It’s My Party – Teen Self Image and Weight Control

For many teens there seems to be no escape from the constant barrage of skeletal stars and buff jocks seen in the media. Not to mention the sometimes impossible media images of perfection that can’t realistically be attained by the average teenager. So what is a parent or responsible adult to do in order to help teens navigate the maze of misinformation and sometimes distorted images. Although boys experience this angst to some degree as well, it appears teenage girls are disproportionately affected by the ever elusive perfect body.

A study of nearly 50,000 teenage girls revealed that a majority listed appearance as their biggest concern (Exeter University, U.K., 1998). Another study (Fat Talk, Harvard University Press, 2000) found that 86% of teenage girls are, or think they should be dieting. This is not shocking since 45% of American women are on a diet on any given day (Smolak, 1996). Therefore, it is imperative that mothers give there daughters a healthy view of their bodies by modeling self-acceptance themselves.

Teen Weight Loss Without The Airbrush

Teenagers sometimes face inordinate amounts of pressure. Aside from pleasing their parents, they must contend with peer pressure at school. These pressures can lead to an unhealthy view of themselves. If the majority of their friends are a size zero, the pressure to fit in and not stand out can be overwhelming. Parents should try to counteract these pressures by being willing to listen and not judge; and provide healthy realistic images and opinions to balance what is seen in the media. The old standby — communication — can do wonders for a teenager’s self image.

Teaching teens to be healthy and not just thin is also important. The media has a way of portraying individuals as perfect. What they don’t show is the sometimes unhealthy way, or unrealistic (for the average teen) work that goes into getting those bodies. Educating teens on healthy food choices and exercise will keep them healthy now and into their adult years. Emphasize there is nothing wrong with wanting to lose weight, if it’s necessary, but it must be done in a safe way. A way that will keep their physical and mental well being intact.

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Take time to discuss why they feel they should lose weight. Get to the heart of the matter. Make sure to reassure them they are fine the way they are. Don’t discount their feelings. If they indeed need to shed a few pounds, offer to assist them in finding appropriate resources. Make it a family affair. Make sure they understand they are embarking on a lifelong commitment and not just a temporary fix. The focus should be on becoming healthy and fit for life. Most important, be there for them when they need it.

The bottom line is there is no magic formula for getting teens to develop a healthy self image and healthy attitude toward food. It all boils down to listening and then acting. Teach them to look in the mirror and make positive statements about themselves. Above all, let them know you love them no matter what size they are.