When “Healthy” Becomes Harmful

Body Image Coaching Programme - here's how we work with young people on their body image journey Adolescents often grapple with...

Introducing the Simple Emotions Clock: A Powerful Tool for Teens The Emotions Clock by Olivia Bowden At Body Image Coach , founder Olivia...

At Body Image Coach UK, we are proud to offer a fully funded 6-week program for 11–16 year olds in amination, thanks to the support of the VCS Alliance. This vital program gives young people a safe space to explore their thoughts, build confidence, and develop a healthier relationship with their bodies. But before we dive into the ways to help, it’s important to understand why so many young people are silently struggling. Whether it’s eating disorders, body dysmorphia, or mus

Key trends in teen body image and the efforts being made to counteract them.

Help my child with an eating disorder, body dysmorphic disorder BDD

How to help my child with body image problems

Understanding the Key Triggers for Eating Disorders Amongst Teenagers

How to get immediate support for your child with an eating disorder, BDD or muscle dysmorphia.

Discover how to embrace and accept your body. Learn to own it, find acceptance, and reclaim your life. Do you feel like your belly is sticking out? Or that your boobs are too flat? or too big? Or that your thighs are too big? At Body Image Coach we hear people are saying these things about themselves but what would happen if you stood up one day and owned it. What would happen if you allowed your tummy to stick out and you said "good, I'm glad my tummy sticks out because it

Introduction: Hi, my name is Olivia Bowden, author and founder of social enterprise Body Image Coach . We are a team of coaches, therapists and volunteers, supporting teenagers with eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorder. The question: how can I respond to my child when they shame themselves, comes up a lot, so thought I would offer some tips. Navigating this issue can be challenging, and it's completely understandable if you feel overwhelmed, as if anything you sa

Let’s talk about eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorder in teens. Introduction: Negative body image in children and teens is a concerning issue, with reports of eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorder emerging in children as young as six years old. Identifying the signs early on is crucial to providing support and fostering a positive body image. In this article, we'll discuss common disorders, their symptoms, and how to approach someone suspected of struggling w

Anorexia nervosa is a severe eating disorder characterised by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. It often involves severe food restriction, excessive exercise, and other behaviours aimed at weight loss. However, when someone decides to embark on the journey to recovery, the body undergoes a process known as refeeding syndrome. This can be a life-threatening condition that occurs when an individual with severe malnutrition begins to eat again. Refeed

In today's complex world, understanding and addressing the challenges associated with eating disorders, body dysmorphic disorder, and muscle dysmorphia is crucial for schools and parents alike. Our free download, the " SCHOOL/PARENT COMPLETE GUIDE ," offers valuable insights and practical tips to navigate these sensitive issues. Topics Covered in the Guide: Types of Eating Disorders: Delve into the main types of eating disorders affecting students, understanding their manife

So what is Body Image Coach? How does it work? Who is it for? These are all good questions so let's get them answered! Body Image Coach is a full programme that teaches positive body image habits and beliefs as well as identifying and supporting those that are self loathing. Self loathing may lead to mental health disorders, such as eating disorders, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, muscle disorder, as well as OCD, anxiety and depression. Body image difficulties usually start around

Is it possible to heal from body image disorders when you are very ill with them? This is a great question, one that many would debate. In my observation and humble opinion, I would say it is possible but much harder to heal while you are going through the worst of it. The body, mind, and spirit need some level of safety before you can immerse yourself in healing. When going through body image disorders, we constantly feel unsafe due to our thoughts and behaviors that fuel th

Here, we will delve into the intricacies of mental health by offering clear and insightful definitions of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and various types of Eating Disorders (ED). Gain a deeper understanding of these conditions as we provide valuable information to foster awareness and understanding. NB: A full copy of the list is available for download as a PDF at the bottom of the page. Body dysmorphic disorder Signs and symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder include: Being

Here's how our Body Image Coaches work with young people on their body image journey: Adolescents often grapple with self-identity, societal pressures, and the desire for acceptance. Negative words can deeply impact their self-esteem, potentially leading to mental health struggles. How we talk to our teens when we are coaching them is important to help then understand their own issues and where they are at in their journey to a better relationship with their body. Once adole

Body Image Beliefs – telling a teen they look beautiful, when they feel ugly, doesn’t work. It can be really tough for parents when their teens have a negative relationship with their body, all too often this can lead to body image issues. How can you help challenge negative body image beliefs and promote a positive and healthy relationship with their body? Often the temptation is to contradict their beliefs, for example telling them they are beautiful when they say they feel

Teens can experience and witness a number of things in school that may impact on their mental health. Parents and teachers may or may not be aware of these but they can include: Body shaming Academic Stress Competing for thinnest weight on weighing scales Student Kakorrhaphiophobia (fear of failure) Competition for attention from peers Gender identity Muscle competition Family Issues Racism Substance Abuse Body Image Issues Learning difficulties How we can help Through our w