Showcase Magazine Autumn 2026 - Flipbook - Page 12
HEALTHY
LIFESTYLES
Trigger Warning:
Eating Disorders
Understanding Body Image and
Eating Disorders
Body image is something many people associate with
teenagers scrolling through social media. In reality, our
relationship with our bodies begins much earlier and
continues throughout our lives. As early years professionals,
we have an important role in promoting healthy self-esteem,
modelling positive attitudes, and recognising when concerns
may be developing in children, young people, colleagues, or
parents.
What Is Body Image?
Body image is how we think and feel about our own body. It
isn't determined by appearance alone; it is shaped by our
experiences, relationships, culture, media, health, and selfesteem. Someone can appear confident while struggling
deeply with how they see themselves, while another person
may have a healthy body image regardless of their size or
shape. Negative body image can affect anyone, regardless
of age, gender, ethnicity, or body type.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions, not
lifestyle choices or diets taken too far. While they involve
food, eating disorders are often driven by emotional distress,
anxiety, perfectionism, trauma, low self-esteem, or a desire
to regain control. Some of the most recognised eating
disorders include:
Anorexia nervosa: restricting food intake and an intense
fear of gaining weight.
Bulimia nervosa: episodes of binge eating followed by
behaviours such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse
of laxatives.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED): recurrent episodes of
eating large amounts of food accompanied by feelings
of distress, without regular compensatory behaviours.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID):
avoiding certain foods or restricting intake due to
sensory sensitivities, fear of choking, or lack of interest in
eating, rather than concerns about body weight.
Eating disorders can affect people of any age, gender,
ethnicity, or body size. You cannot tell whether someone has
an eating disorder simply by looking at them.
The Language We Use Matters
Children begin absorbing messages about bodies from a
very young age. Casual comments about dieting, "good"
and "bad" foods, or criticising our own appearance can
shape how children think about themselves. Instead, try to:
Celebrate what bodies can do rather than how they look.
Encourage balanced eating without labelling foods as
rewards or punishments.
Avoid commenting on someone's weight, whether
positive or negative.
Praise children's kindness, creativity, perseverance, and
achievements instead of focusing on appearance.
Challenge unrealistic beauty standards when
appropriate.
Supporting Adults Matters Too
Parents and colleagues may also struggle with body image
or eating disorders. Stress, pregnancy, postnatal changes,
menopause, illness, social media, and life events can all
influence how someone feels about their body.
Creating workplaces where people feel able to seek
support without judgement contributes to a healthier culture
for everyone. Simply listening, avoiding assumptions, and
encouraging professional help when needed can make a
significant difference.
Signs Someone May Be Struggling
While every individual is different, some signs may include:
Dramatic changes in eating habits.
Avoiding meals or eating with others.
Excessive exercise.
Frequently
commenting
negatively
about
their
appearance.
Rapid weight changes.
Wearing baggy clothing to hide their body.
Becoming withdrawn, anxious, or low in mood.
Obsessive calorie counting or rigid food rules.
These signs do not automatically mean someone has an
eating disorder, but they may indicate that additional
support is needed.
Myth vs fact
Myth: Eating disorders only affect teenage girls.
Fact: They can affect people of any age, gender,
ethnicity, or body size.
Myth: You can tell if someone has an eating disorder
by looking at them.
Fact: Many people with eating disorders are not
underweight.
Myth: Complimenting weight loss is always positive.
Fact: Unexplained weight loss can sometimes be a
sign that someone is struggling, so it's better to focus
compliments on qualities, efforts, or achievements
rather than appearance.
｜
Showcase Training 12
