Body image issues can begin much earlier than many people realize. Research suggests that children as young as three to five years old start forming opinions about body size and attractiveness. By the time children enter elementary school, many already express concerns about their bodies, influenced by societal standards, media, and peer interactions, as well as possible genetics for body image issues.
Early Signs of Body Image Issues
Preschool Years (Ages 3-5)
Even in early childhood, kids begin to notice differences in body shapes and sizes. They may comment on their own bodies or others’ and show early preferences influenced by cartoons, storybooks, or family members’ language around food and appearance.
Elementary School (Ages 6-12)
By age six, children can express dissatisfaction with their bodies, often picking up messages from peers, media, and family. Studies have shown that by age eight, nearly 50% of children express concerns about their weight. This is also the age when dieting behaviors can begin.
Teen Years (Ages 13-18)
During puberty, body changes happen rapidly, and comparison with peers becomes more intense. Social media amplifies unrealistic beauty standards, increasing pressure on teenagers. This is often when body image concerns turn into more serious struggles, such as low self-esteem, disordered eating habits, or even depression and anxiety.
How CARESPACE Psychotherapists Help with Body Image Issues
At CARESPACE Health+Wellness, our therapists recognize that body image issues are complex and deeply personal. Whether you’ve struggled with body dissatisfaction for years or are just beginning to notice unhealthy thoughts, therapy can help you develop a more positive and accepting relationship with your body.
What to Expect in Therapy
- Identifying Negative Thought Patterns: Therapists help you recognize and challenge distorted beliefs about your body that have been shaped by past experiences, social media, or cultural standards.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A structured approach that helps reframe negative thoughts and replace them with more realistic and self-compassionate ones.
- Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Techniques: Learning how to appreciate your body for what it can do rather than how it looks. Mindfulness strategies can reduce self-criticism and improve emotional well-being.
- Addressing Underlying Emotional Triggers: Sometimes, body image issues stem from deeper emotional struggles. A therapist can help process past experiences or self-worth issues that contribute to negative body perception.
- Building Healthy Coping Strategies: Whether it’s setting boundaries with social media, practicing body neutrality, or improving self-care habits, therapy provides practical tools to maintain a healthier mindset.
It’s Never Too Early (or Too Late) to Get Support
If you or a loved one is struggling with body image concerns, seeking help can make a significant difference. Whether you’re a parent noticing early signs in your child or an adult wanting to heal your relationship with your body, CARESPACE psychotherapists are here to support you.
Book an Appointment Today
At CARESPACE Health+Wellness, we offer personalized psychotherapy services in a supportive and judgment-free environment. Connect with one of our therapists today and take the first step toward a healthier body image so you don’t have to live with body image issues for long.
