Body Image, Eating Problems and Disorders
Body Image
Body image can be defined as how we think, perceive, and the attitude we have, about our physical appearance. How do you see yourself and feel about your body. Positive body image is a clear, true perception of your shape; seeing the various parts of your body as they really are.
A negative body image involves a distorted perception of one’s shape. Negative body image (or body dissatisfaction) can accompany feelings of shame, anxiety, and self-consciousness. People who experience high levels of body dissatisfaction feel their bodies are flawed in comparison to others, and this could lead to feelings of depression, isolation, low self-esteem and developing eating disorders.
While there is no single cause of eating disorders, research indicates that body dissatisfaction is the best-known contributor to the development of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
Issues around body image can begin at an early age so providing an environment at school and home that promotes emotional resilience, self-confidence and self-worth will go a long way towards ensuring that young people feel good about themselves, whatever they look like; we are all different and this makes us unique and special!
How can schools help?
Healthy Lifestyles: Teaching about Body Image
Children with a positive body image are comfortable with their physical appearance and are more likely to think about their body in relation to the way it helps them function in a physical sense. Children with positive body image might not be completely satisfied with their appearance, but they concentrate on assets rather than flaws. This way of thinking contributes to a positive sense of self-worth.
Schools are in an excellent position to support children in the development of improved body confidence and self-esteem as part of a well-planned programme of PSHE.
Visit our Healthy Lifestyles: Teaching about Body Image site
Relationships, Sex and Health Education: Schools have an important role in helping children and young people to develop confidence and positive wellbeing about how they look and feel about themselves. Teaching pupils about mental health including; understanding feelings and emotions, ways to build emotional resilience and where to go if they need support, can help young people to process and work through negative feelings about self-worth and appearance.
For further ideas and resources go to: RSHE Mental Wellbeing Curriculum
Anna Freud Institute: Mentally Healthy Schools
Further information and resources to support children and young people: Home : Mentally Healthy Schools
Group activities and campaigns: Creating opportunities to discuss issues such as body image and disordered eating can enable young people to feel less isolated and connected with others. It's also worth thinking about school campaigns and using media and arts to look at difficult topics and empowering pupils.
For inspiration check out: The Body Positivity Project
The LIFEbeat Body Positivity Project was commissioned by Public Health and has explored the issue of body image amongst Year 10 pupils in four secondary schools around Somerset. The project generated a scheme of work and resource ideas so that schools can embrace the important subject of body image from a young person-centred approach using a creative practices.
For full details of the project and accompanying lesson plans go to:
The Somerset Body Positivity Project
Eating Problems and Disorders
Eating disorders are serious mental health problems. They can have severe psychological, physical and social consequences. Children and young people with eating disorders often have other mental health problems (e.g. anxiety or depression) which also need to be treated to get the best outcomes.
Problems can start to emerge when a child or young person feels under pressure. They may lose their appetite; or they may turn to food for comfort and eat even when they are not hungry; their worries about food may be related to their size or body shape, or can be more about their emotions and self-esteem.
It is vital that children and young people with eating disorders and their families and carers can access effective help quickly. Offering evidence-based, high-quality care and support as soon as possible can improve recovery rates, lead to fewer relapses and reduce the need for inpatient admissions. Dedicated community eating disorder services improve outcomes and cost effectiveness. (NHS England)
How to support a young person with an eating problem
- If you’re worried about a young person who’s struggling with their eating, listen to them. They might have difficult things going on in their life which are causing the changes to their eating.
- Make a visit to their GP so they can find out what professional support is there for them.
- Remember, if you are worried about them, you don’t have to keep their secret - if they don’t get the help they need things can get much worse for them very quickly. Telling another family member (if you are the parent) speaking to their teacher is important because the quicker you understand their situation, the quicker you can get support and the more likely they are to recover.
- Look after yourself. It can be really hard supporting someone who is going through a tough time and this can affect your own wellbeing and mental health. Make sure you also have someone you can talk to about how you’re feeling, like a family member or trusted friend.
Community Eating Disorder Service Virtual Training
The Community Eating Disorder Service (CEDS) have produced a helpful virtual training for schools. The training has been designed specifically for school staff and how they can support young people while understanding the need to make prompt referrals if there are concerns.
Virtual training: Thinking about eating disorders with schools
Additional Eating Disorder Organisations and Resources
CEDS
Website (contains information about our services, but remember referrals come in through SPA)
Young Minds
Information about mental health for young people, families and schools
SWEDA
Somerset and Wessex Eating Disorders Association (SWEDA), England, UK (swedauk.org)
SWEDA provides support to anyone affected by eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, compulsive eating, binge eating disorder and all related conditions. Services include Counselling Services, a monthly Self help Support Group, Training and Presentations for Health Professionals and GPs, and a College Support Service, working with young people in Secondary Schools and four of the major Colleges in the county.
Developing an Eating Disorder Policy for your school
These guidelines cover 8 key factors to consider when developing an eating disorder policy for a school setting and provides examples for each of these areas.
Microsoft Word - stem4-ed-developing policy.docx
Anorexia and Bulimia Care (ABC)
www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk
Boy Anorexia
Advice: Email
beat (beating eating disorders)
Youthline: 0808 801 0711
Adult Helpline: 0808 801 0677
Mental Health Toolkit
For further information about local and national organisations go to: Who Else Can Help?
Early Support for Children and Young People
Young Somerset
If you are a young person under 18 seeking wellbeing support contact Young Somerset. You may be eligible for support from a Wellbeing Practitioner. For further details and a downloadable 'request for support' form go to:
Website: www.youngsomerset.org.uk/access-support
Publications
Eva Musby - parent advocate and writer about Eating Disorders has put together a guide for schools developing eating disorder policies
https://anorexiafamily.com/eating-disorder-policy-guidance-school/
The Parent's Guide to Eating Disorders - What Parents Need to Know - Jane Smith
App
Rise Up Recovery Warriors
Page updated June 2024
