Body image is more than how you see your reflection. It’s how you feel in your body, how you treat it, and how you believe others perceive you. In a world that profits off of self-criticism, the concept of body positivity offers a radical counter-narrative — one that encourages acceptance, dignity, and compassion toward all bodies, including your own.

But what does body positivity really mean, and how can you begin to cultivate it — especially if you have struggled with disordered eating, body shame, or appearance-related anxiety? This post will explore the history, meaning, and actionable steps for practicing body positivity in a realistic and sustainable way.

Mirrors can be a complicated and emotional trigger in eating disorder recovery. For many, they become a tool for self-criticism, body-checking, or reinforcing negative thoughts. But do mirrors have to be the enemy? Not necessarily.

With time, boundaries, and self-compassion, mirrors can become a neutral or even positive part of your healing journey. Here’s how to navigate your relationship with mirrors in recovery.

In the age of social media affirmations and self-love slogans, many people are talking about body positivity — and more recently, body neutrality. Both movements aim to help people feel better in their bodies… but they’re not the same thing.

Despite the name, there’s nothing “less serious” about atypical anorexia. In fact, the symptoms, medical complications, and psychological distress are often just as severe — but because it doesn’t look like the stereotype, many individuals go undiagnosed, invalidated, and untreated.

Birthdays can be exciting, emotional, or even challenging in eating disorder recovery. They often involve food, social gatherings, and body image thoughts, which might bring up anxiety or ED urges. However, your birthday is about celebrating YOU—not about stress, guilt, or food rules.

A vision board is a powerful tool in eating disorder recovery. It serves as a visual reminder of your recovery goals, values, and motivations. Seeing positive images and affirmations daily can reinforce your commitment to healing and keep you focused on progress.

It’s easy to feel like your eating disorder is a core part of who you are, especially if it has been present for a long time. However, your eating disorder is not your personality, identity, or worth. It is something you are experiencing—not something that defines you.

The prevalence of eating disorders among teenagers has seen a significant uptick. Between 2018 and 2022, health visits related to eating disorders for individuals under 17 more than doubled in the United States. Globally, the proportion of children and adolescents experiencing disordered eating reached 22.36% between 1999 and 2022

Eating disorder recovery is a long and challenging journey, but full recovery is possible. Many families have walked this path and seen their children regain health, happiness, and a positive relationship with food. Below are realistic and hopeful success stories of kids who have recovered, along with the key lessons their families learned.

Sports and extracurricular activities play a major role in shaping a child’s relationship with food, body image, and eating habits. While participation in physical activities promotes overall health, it can also increase the risk of disordered eating behaviors, especially in sports where weight, body composition, or endurance are emphasized.

The way we talk to children about food, weight, and body image has a profound impact on their self-esteem, eating habits, and long-term relationship with food. A positive, non-judgmental approach can help prevent body dissatisfaction and reduce the risk of disordered eating behaviors.

Eating disorders in children are often misunderstood, leading to delayed diagnosis, ineffective interventions, and stigma. Here are some of the most common myths and the facts that debunk them.

Transgender individuals face a significantly higher risk of developing eating disorders (EDs) compared to their cisgender peers. This increased vulnerability is linked to body dysphoria, societal pressures, discrimination, and mental health struggles.

Steroid use, particularly anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), can be a significant indicator of eating disorders in males, often tied to body image concerns and muscle dysmorphia (bigorexia). While eating disorders in men can sometimes go unnoticed due to societal stigma, excessive focus on muscularity and leanness—often leading to steroid abuse—can be a key warning sign.

Talking to your child about eating disorders can feel overwhelming, but it is essential to approach the conversation with compassion, openness, and support. Parents play a vital role in shaping their child's relationship with food and body image, and the way they discuss these topics can either encourage healthy behaviors or contribute to guilt and secrecy. By using non-judgmental language and fostering open communication, parents can help their child feel safe, understood, and supported.

Eating disorders have long been stereotyped as a female issue, leading to underdiagnosis and lack of awareness about their prevalence in boys. However, research shows that one in three people with an eating disorder is male, highlighting the need for greater recognition and support. Despite this, boys and young men often go unnoticed in discussions about eating disorders due to misconceptions, social stigma, and gender biases in diagnosis (Murray et al., 2017).

Schools play a pivotal role in shaping children’s attitudes toward health, nutrition, and body image. Given that young people spend a significant portion of their day in the classroom, educational institutions have both the opportunity and responsibility to identify early signs of disordered eating and foster environments that encourage healthy habits (National Eating Disorders Association, 2023). By implementing comprehensive policies, training staff, and engaging families, schools can help prevent and address pediatric eating disorders before they escalate.

From a young age, children are immersed in cultural and societal norms that profoundly influence their perceptions of food and body image. Beliefs about what is considered "healthy," "unhealthy," or even "normal" can vary greatly depending on cultural traditions, family practices, and broader societal messages (Levine & Piran, 2004). As children grow, these norms intersect with peer pressure, media portrayals, and family expectations, often shaping the way they approach eating habits—sometimes in ways that can lead to disordered patterns.

Disordered eating can sometimes appear gradual, making it challenging for caregivers and educators to recognize when a child’s relationship with food has become unhealthy.  Recognizing when a child’s eating behaviors and attitudes toward food have shifted from being a phase or a quirk to a potentially disordered pattern is critical. Early intervention can help prevent further physical and emotional harm, so knowing the signs that warrant professional help is essential (National Eating Disorders Association, 2023 Knowing when to seek professional help can make a significant difference in a child’s long-term recovery and overall well-being.

Eating disorders in children and adolescents can be challenging to detect early because some behaviors may be mistaken for “typical” teenage moodiness or picky eating. However, certain warning signs and changes in behavior or physical health can indicate that an eating disorder may be developing. It’s important to remember that no single sign confirms an eating disorder, but a pattern of behaviors or symptoms may warrant a closer look and professional evaluation.