The “Beach Body” Problem
By Michelle Thirkield
As summer approaches, it becomes almost impossible to avoid messaging about getting your body “summer ready.” Social media feeds fill with workout challenges, dieting advice, before-and-after photos, and advertisements promising quick fixes for weight loss or “clean eating.” While some of this messaging may appear to promote health and wellness, much of it is simply diet culture in disguise.
The phrase “beach body” reinforces the idea that there is one ideal body type worthy of being seen, celebrated, or accepted. It promotes unrealistic appearance standards and often preys on insecurities, particularly among children and adolescents who are already navigating identity, self-esteem, and social comparison.
Body Image in Adolescence
Body image concerns are incredibly common among youth and can begin earlier than many parents realize — sometimes as young as 6 to 10 years old. While body dissatisfaction affects both boys and girls, research consistently shows that adolescent girls are more likely to experience dissatisfaction with their appearance and weight.
In fact, studies suggest that nearly three-quarters of adolescent girls report some level of body dissatisfaction. Social media, peer comparison, and exposure to appearance-focused messaging can intensify these concerns, especially during developmental years when self-worth can become closely tied to external validation.
What Is Disordered Eating?
Disordered eating refers to a range of unhealthy eating behaviors that may not meet the clinical criteria for an eating disorder but still carry significant emotional and physical risks. These behaviors often exist on a spectrum and can become increasingly harmful over time.
Examples of disordered eating behaviors include:
Skipping meals
Fasting
Binge eating
Following rigid food rules
Labeling foods as “good” or “bad”
Obsessively eating only “healthy” or “clean” foods
Using laxatives or diet pills
Research indicates that approximately 45% of adolescent girls and 30% of boys report actively trying to lose weight. Studies also suggest that roughly 1 in 5 teens engage in disordered eating behaviors.
Importantly, dieting itself is one of the strongest predictors of developing an eating disorder. While not every teen who diets will go on to develop a diagnosable eating disorder, disordered eating behaviors should never be dismissed as harmless or “normal.”
Who Benefits From This Messaging?
Much of the body-image messaging we encounter through advertisements, movies, wellness culture, and social media revolves around dieting, exercise, weight loss, and appearance enhancement. These messages are often packaged as empowerment or self-improvement, but it is important to pause and ask:
Who benefits from this messaging?
What product, lifestyle, or insecurity is being sold to us?
When appearance becomes the focus, it can distract from the more meaningful aspects of identity, health, and self-worth.
As Lindsay and Lexie Kite, PhD — founders of the organization More Than A Body — remind us:
“Your body is an instrument, not an ornament.”
How To Support Kids and Teens With Body Image Concerns
Model body neutrality
Children absorb the way adults speak about their own bodies, food, and appearance. Frequent comments about weight, dieting, or “earning” food can unintentionally reinforce the belief that appearance determines value. Practicing body neutrality — rather than criticism or fixation — can help create a healthier environment around food and self-image.
Emphasize qualities beyond appearance
Young people are constantly receiving messages that appearance is one of the most important things about them. Help challenge this belief by highlighting other qualities and strengths: kindness, humor, creativity, resilience, curiosity, generosity, and compassion.
Remind them that their body is the least interesting thing about them.
Encourage critical thinking about media
Talk openly about unrealistic beauty standards in advertisements and social media. Help kids recognize filters, editing, marketing tactics, and the ways companies profit from insecurity. Modeling critical thinking can help reduce the power these messages hold.
Get curious, not confrontational
If your child makes negative comments about their body, try to explore the feeling before immediately reassuring or correcting them. While responses like “That’s not true — you’re beautiful” are well intentioned, they can still reinforce the idea that appearance is central.
Instead, ask questions:
“Where do you think that thought came from?”
“Have you heard other people talk that way?”
“How does that make you feel?”
Creating space for conversation often opens the door to deeper understanding and support.
Seek support when needed
If your child or teen appears significantly distressed about their body, food, or exercise habits — or if you notice behaviors consistent with disordered eating — seeking specialized professional support can be an important step.
