How To Help A Teenager With Body Image Issues

Adolescence is one of the most physically and emotionally tumultuous stages of life. As bodies develop and feeling the constant pressure to meet unrealistic standards grows, looking in the mirror can start to trigger stress and self-criticism. For many teenagers, all of this forms the perfect storm to see a distorted body image and become extremely critical and unhappy with how they look.

As a parent or caregiver, watching a teenager struggle with how they see themselves can feel heartbreaking. What should you say, if anything. How do you help without making things worse? You don’t need perfect answers, just patience, consistency, and the willingness to keep showing up when they need help.

What Is Body Image?

Body image isn’t just about how someone looks, but about how they feel about how they look. A teenager with body image issues may fixate on perceived flaws, compare themselves constantly to peers or people online, stare in the mirror for hours “fixing things,” and feel extreme distress when getting dressed, eating meals, or looking at photos/videos of themselves.

Negative body image is really common among teenagers. One study reports that at age 13, 53% of American girls say they are “unhappy with their bodies.” That percentage increases to 78% by age 17. This isn’t about vanity, a phase they’ll “grow out of,” or something that can be “fixed” with repeated positive reassurances. Understanding that body image struggles are serious, and stem from deeper issues than what may be seen on the surface. 

The goal of these early conversations isn’t to solve the problem. It’s to make your teenager feel safe enough to keep talking to you.

Harmful Social Media Influences

The American Psychological Association reports that “social media can expose users to hundreds or even thousands of images and photos every day, including those of celebrities and fashion or fitness models, which we know leads to an internalization of beauty ideals that are unattainable for almost everyone, resulting in greater dissatisfaction with body weight and shape.” This constant exposure to highly curated, filtered, or digitally altered images sets off a cycle of internal turmoil about body image. “Thinspo” content and nonstop aesthetic comparison can harm self-esteem in ways that might not be seen right away. 

While limiting social media use can be beneficial, completely banning it is rarely effective and can push them to use it behind your back. It’s better to have open dialog and ongoing conversations about the content your teen is seeing online, and how it affects their thoughts, feelings, and self-image. Encourage them to follow accounts that show diverse body types and content that isn’t all about having the “perfect” appearance. Because social media algorithms are designed to keep users engaged, they frequently promote content that triggers strong emotions like excitement, outrage, envy, or admiration. Explain to your teenager how content they see is designed to evoke these emotions, not reflect reality.

Encourage Self-Worth Beyond Physical Appearance

A teenager with body image issues often ties their sense of self to how they look. One of the most valuable things you can do is help your teen build an identity that extends far beyond their appearance. This can include creating space for them to pursue things they like (e.g., sports, art, music, writing, coding). When a teenager’s confidence is defined less by how they look, they’re better equipped to withstand the pressures and insecurities that often come with adolescence.

Therapy For Body Image Issues In Los Angeles, Beverly Hills & Online

Teenagers with body image struggles can make it difficult for them to see themselves as they are, and feel confident. Our therapists at Clarity CBT & DBT Center specialize in helping individuals who have body image and issues feel seen and heard in a supportive space. 

If your teenager is struggling with body image, we’re here to help them by working through harmful beliefs and building their confidence. We offer in-person therapy at our Los Angeles and Beverly Hills offices, as well as virtual sessions. Contact us with any questions or book a consultation today.

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