Body Image: Q & A To find out what causes teens to have a poor body image, SEX, ETC. interviewed Linda Smolak, Ph.D, a professor of psychology, and women�s and gender studies at Kenyon College in Gambier, OH. Smolak is also a consultant to the Harvard Eating Disorders Center, in Boston, MA, and the U.S. Office on Women�s Health, in Washington, D.C. SEX, ETC.: How serious a teen issue is having a poor body image and low self-esteem? Linda Smolak: It can be very serious. Some girls will go on to develop serious eating problems, including the potentially fatal disorders of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, in order to try to achieve that �thin� body. Others will submit themselves to cosmetic surgery, including liposuction and breast enhancement, to get that thin-with-big-breasts look that is almost impossible to find naturally. Cosmetic surgery usually carries risks without health benefits. Boys may start using steroids or diet supplements to get �bigger.� Some of these are potentially fatal. SEX, ETC.: How much of a role does society play in a teen�s perspective of his or her body? LS: Huge. We all think we�re not influenced by the media. But we buy certain products, dress in certain styles of clothes, and talk in certain ways, because of what the media tells us. SEX, ETC.: So, what leads a girl or boy to develop a poor body image? LS: First, girls are more likely than boys to have a poor body image. But some recent research suggests that boys might be catching up. Lots of things contribute. Media images are important contributors, at least among girls. Think about most of the TV shows and movies you see. Most of the women are thin. Even singers�young girls like Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera�are thin. This makes girls think that the road to success involves being thin. Boys see a wider range of male body types. Think of the show King of Queens, for example, and how the man looks. Then think of Friends and The Drew Carey Show. These shows feature men with various body shapes, but the women�s shapes don�t really vary. Peer teasing also influences body image, as does peer sexual harassment (at least for girls). And parents� comments about weight and shape can influence body image. SEX, ETC.: How can a girl gain a positive body image? LS: Recognize all the things your body enables you to do�dance, play sports, play musical instruments, etc. Take good care of your body by eating nutritious foods (at least most of the time), being physically active, and getting enough sleep. Try to understand that media messages are intended to get you to buy things or be a certain way. They�re not realistic; many of the photos you see are edited. And the people you see in movies have staff to help them look like that, and even then there are lighting and camera tricks�and of course computer tricks, like putting someone else�s legs on someone�s body�that are used to achieve the �look.� Finally, empower yourself and your friends�don�t tolerate teasing about weight and shape, or sexual harassment. Report it and work against it. SEX, ETC.: How can a boy gain a positive body image? LS: Similar things. I�d add not to buy the message that every boy needs to be an athlete. Furthermore, messages that say you have to be the biggest and strongest and fastest to succeed in athletics are dangerous. You shouldn�t aim for one particular shape. SEX, ETC.: How can family help a teen during a time of low self-esteem? LS: Try not to focus too much on body issues. Let the teen know what you like and respect about her or him. And when the teen wants to talk about problems with peers or body image, listen without judgment. Don�t belittle his or her concerns by saying things like �everyone thinks that� or �you�ll grow out of that.� | 
