Fostering a Healthier Body Image

Social media, cultural expectations and well-meaning New Year’s resolutions can contribute to body image concerns as we compare our appearance with those of our peers and even strangers. A positive body image doesn’t require loving our physical appearance every day, but it does involve practicing respect and appreciation for your body through adequate nourishment, self-care and recognizing that your worth extends far beyond appearance. Thankfully, there are strategies available to help us foster positive body image within ourselves and in others.

What Is Body Image?

Body image is the internal lens through which we view our physical selves. It includes:

• Perception: How we imagine ourselves, accurately or not, when we look in the mirror or picture ourselves mentally.
• Beliefs: The assumptions and messages from childhood, peers, media or culture that shape how our appearance is evaluated.
• Feelings: Emotional responses to our bodies, including pride, frustration, acceptance or insecurity.
• Body Connection: How we sense and move in our bodies, including our comfort, confidence and awareness.

How to Foster a Positive Body Image Within Yourself and Within Others

• Curate a supportive digital space: Unfollow accounts that trigger comparison, and intentionally add creators who promote inclusivity, authenticity or body neutrality.
• Practice body-respect routines: Focus on daily practices that help the body feel cared for, such as stretching for mobility, drinking water, resting when tired or taking mindful walks.
• Adopt a “function over form” mindset: Shift your focus from how your body looks to what it can do, such as carry groceries, laugh with friends, hug loved ones, dance, breathe and learn.
• Challenge negative body talk: Replace statements such as “I don’t like how I look today” with “My body deserves kindness today.” Over time, these reframes strengthen self-compassion.
• Encourage body neutral conversations: Shift group dialogue away from dieting plans, weight changes or appearance critiques.
  Replace: “I shouldn’t eat this.”
  With: “This looks delicious. I’m excited to try it.”
• Compliments beyond looks: Recognize qualities like humor, resilience, creativity, reliability, intelligence or kindness.
• Check in with others: If a friend expresses self-criticism, respond with compassion and ask what type of support they need, such as reassurance, space or a distraction.

When to Seek Help

According to the National Eating Disorders Association, negative body image is strongly linked to eating disorders. If you have found yourself engaging in unhealthy dieting or exercise behaviors that result in obsessive thoughts related to shape and weight, resources are available on campus. The Counseling Center and Student Health Center are available for students experiencing negative body image or engaging in potential eating disorder behaviors.

UA Body Appreciation Week

Each February, the Division of Student Life, along with other campus partners, celebrates Body Appreciation Week. From Feb. 23 to 27, a full schedule of in-person and virtual events will focus on raising awareness about eating disorders, promoting positive body image and encouraging constructive dialogue about these issues to help prevent the development of eating-disordered behaviors and attitudes. Many of these events will provide fun swag items such as t-shirts, buttons and other materials to support positive body image across campus. We hope to see you there!