Other strategies to promote a healthy body image

In addition to talking to your teenager about a healthy body image, you might:

• Team up with your teen's doctor. Your teen's doctor can help him or her set realistic goals for body mass index (BMI) and weight based on personal growth history and overall health.
• Establish healthy eating habits. Teach your teen how to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Offer a wide range of foods. Talk about the harms of fad diets and avoid labeling foods as "good" or "bad."
• Counter negative media messages. Expose your children to individuals who are famous for their achievements — not their appearance. For example, read books or watch movies about inspiring people and their perseverance to overcome challenges.
• Praise achievements. Help your child value what he or she does, rather than what he or she looks like. Look for opportunities to praise effort, skills and achievements.
• Promote physical activity. Participating in sports and other physical activities — particularly those that don't emphasize a particular weight or body shape — can help promote good self-esteem and a positive body image.
• Encourage positive friendships. Friends who accept and support your teen can be a healthy influence. In particular, friends who have healthy relationships with their own bodies can be a positive influence.