Photo Credit: iStock.com/Mary Long

Our columnists from ETR discuss the importance of positive body image messaging, sharing tips for clinicians to improve conversations with patients.

Body image plays a crucial role in an individual’s overall health and well-being. As trusted professionals, clinicians have a unique opportunity to promote positive body image and self-acceptance among patients. The way clinicians communicate about weight, health, and body size can either reinforce harmful stereotypes or foster self-esteem and body confidence.

Understanding the Impact of Body Image

Body image is the perception and feelings an individual has about their body. It is shaped by personal experiences, cultural influences, media exposure, and interactions with healthcare professionals. Negative body image, especially in the age of social media, is linked to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and low self-esteem. Conversely, a positive body image contributes to better mental and emotional well-being, promoting healthier lifestyle behaviors without shame or guilt.

Unfortunately, traditional healthcare narratives often focus on weight loss as a primary marker of health. While weight can be a factor in overall wellness, an overemphasis on weight-centric messaging can lead to body dissatisfaction and unhealthy behaviors. By adopting a weight-neutral, health-focused approach, clinicians can encourage sustainable wellness practices without reinforcing harmful stigmas.

Tips for Healthcare Professionals to Promote Positive Body Image

1. Use Weight-Inclusive Language. Words matter. The way clinicians discuss weight and health can significantly influence a patient’s body image. Avoid using terms such as “obese” or “overweight” in ways that pathologize body size. Instead, focus on holistic health metrics beyond weight, such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, mobility, and mental well-being. Using inclusive language helps create a supportive, non-judgmental environment. For example, instead of saying, “You need to lose weight for better health,” say “Let’s explore lifestyle habits that support your overall well-being.”
2. Encourage Health at Every Size Principles. The Health at Every Size (HAES) approach promotes weight-neutral healthcare that focuses on intuitive eating, joyful movement, and self-care rather than weight control. HAES recognizes that health is multidimensional and influenced by genetics, social determinants, and behaviors—not just body size. Encouraging patients to build sustainable habits that support physical and mental health is more beneficial than prescribing restrictive diets or weight-loss goals
3. Shift the Focus from Appearance to Functionality. Encourage patients to appreciate their bodies for what they can do rather than how they look. Celebrate strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall health improvements rather than aesthetics. This helps patients develop a more positive relationship with their bodies. For example, instead of saying, “Losing weight will make you look better,” say “Engaging in physical activity can help you feel stronger and more energized.”
4. Avoid Making Assumptions About Health Based on Body Size. Not all individuals in larger bodies are unhealthy, and not all individuals in smaller bodies are healthy. Instead of assuming a patient’s health status based on their weight, take a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle habits, mental health, family history, and lab results. Encourage open conversations where patients feel safe discussing their concerns without fear of judgment.
5. Be Mindful When Discussing Weight With Children and Adolescents. Young patients are particularly vulnerable to body image concerns. Avoid commenting on weight gain or loss in children and adolescents unless there is a clear medical need. Explain the effects of puberty on body changes, discuss messages they may be seeing online, and share ideas for supporting lifelong health. Focus on promoting healthy habits in a way that builds confidence and self-acceptance. For example, instead of saying, “You need to watch your weight,” ask open-ended questions such as, “How do you feel about your body? What are some things you like? What are your goals for staying healthy?”

The Role of Clinicians in Changing the Narrative

Clinicians have a profound influence on how patients perceive their bodies and their approach to health. By shifting away from weight-focused conversations and embracing a more holistic, inclusive, and compassionate approach, professionals can foster a culture of body positivity in healthcare settings.

If a patient is struggling with body image issues, provide them with evidence-based resources, such as body-positive books, support groups, or referrals to mental health professionals specializing in body image concerns. Encouraging self-compassion and seeking professional support when needed can make a significant difference in a patient’s well-being.

Promoting positive body image isn’t about ignoring health concerns; it’s about addressing them in a way that supports self-acceptance, mental well-being, and long-term sustainable habits. By making small yet impactful changes in communication and approach, healthcare professionals can empower patients to embrace their bodies and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Additional Resources

• Access free Healthy Body Image posters for your health center.
• Download a sample of this Body Image pamphlet for your waiting room.
• Share this Body Image Basics video with teen patients.

About ETR

ETR | Education, Training, and Research is a non-profit organization that envisions a world where all people and communities achieve their best health. Through our work, we improve the health and well-being of youth and communities by championing science. To learn more, visit www.etr.org.