How can adults support boys who are struggling with body image?

Published July 19, 2021

In today's video Dr. Jason Nagata shares why it’s important to understand that boys struggle with body image just like girls, though sometimes it looks different.

In this video:

Dr. Nagata shares several red flags to look for in boys who might be struggling with body image. You can learn more signs to look for here.

Based on Dr. Nagata’s advice, here are some additional tips you can implement right away if you, like Mike, want to know what to say to strengthen the body image of a young man in your life:

  • Avoid commenting on his size or muscle mass. Be mindful that you should also avoid commenting on the bodies of other young men or even the men you see on TV.
  • Compliment him on his skills on the field that do not relate to his size. (ex: “Great footwork! You didn’t let that offender get by you.”).

Encourage your son’s coach to partner with you in this effort by taking the What to Say Coaches Challenge – our email series with helpful tips and phrases for strengthening the body image of young athletes.

Dr. Jason Nagata
By Dr. Jason Nagata MD
Jason Nagata, M.D., M.Sc. is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine at the University of California San Francisco and affiliated faculty with the Institute for Global Health Sciences and the Center for Sexual and Gender Minority Health. He is Co-Founder of the International Association for Adolescent Health Young Professionals Network. He is an expert in eating disorders, particularly in boys and men. His other research interests include adolescent and young adult screen time, digital technology use, eating behaviors, food security, nutrition, alcohol use, cardiovascular disease, HIV, and LGBTQ+ health.

Related Articles

For Parents
parents

Supporting our children in developing a healthy relationship with food & body

Feb 11, 2021
We all want our children to lead happy, healthy lives. But in today's world it can be increasingly difficult to know how to best support kids' physical and mental health. As a parent you have a powerful opportunity to shape the way your children think about and feel in their bodies, and in turn, you…
Read More
For Parents
parents

Diet Talk: What is it and how can I avoid doing it around the kids I care about?

Feb 11, 2021
Diet talk is everywhere. It comes up with family members & during gatherings with friends. You see it on your social media feeds, your favorite TV shows, and in the magazines you read. In fact, diet talk is so ingrained in our day-to-day lives, it can be hard to understand what we even mean when…
Read More
For Parents
parents

Harmful Weight Talk: What is it & why is it so bad for kids’ health?

Feb 11, 2021
In today’s society, talking about weight is often a sensitive subject, particularly around children and teens. As adults who care a lot about the kids in our lives, it can be hard to know how to approach conversations about weight with young people. Read on to learn more about harmful weight talk and the impact…
Read More