Body Image: Recognizing Signs & Troubleshooting

Mental Health University

Body image is a top concern among mental health professionals working with adolescents and young adults. We dig into the range of challenges among students and student athletes susceptible to distorted body image, the domino effect with other eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia), psychological health and performance. Other related topics include the perception of "healthy," pressure of social media, and misinformation around diets, supplements, and workout plans from non-credentialed "expert" influencers.

Episode highlights:

- The nature of body image challenges among students.

- Dialogue about body image observed in conversation with middle school kids.

- Challenges for student athletes in weight specific sports.

- Labels, language, & perception: "skinny, strong, powerful."

- A healthy relationship with food as a necessary fuel for performance (brain & body).

- Caution on the metrics of progress we tend to amplify.

- The unregulated supplement world: Dr. Joel's story

- Key tips for accessing help.