Traditionally, most of the concerns about media and body image have revolved around girls. While it is undoubtedly important for our daughters to learn empowering messages about body diversity and self-acceptance, our sons are similarly exposed to pervasive social & cultural pressures on what it means to be “masculine” and are often left out of the conversation. Mainstream media including movies, TV, video games, and comics often portrays unrealistic male body ideals and contains content that criticizes other boys for being “too small” or “too big”. This places boys in a unique position in that they are subjected to both fat-shaming and thin stigma. So while the desire to be “more muscular” has been a focus in most research done on body image among boys, boys are more likely to focus on achieving an “average” weight to avoid standing out among peers.1
There have also been notable increases in eating disorders in boys, particularly in athletes. It is estimated that 1 in 3 individuals diagnosed with an eating disorder is male. This percentage may actually be much higher as eating disorders in boys & men can present differently than girls and their behaviours may be seen as normal (or even healthy) by adults in their life. Consequently eating disorders in boys and men are often underdiagnosed. Sadly, boys are also at a higher risk of dying, in part because they are often diagnosed later in their illness. Despite this, less than one percent of eating disorders research has focused on eating disorders among males.2
If you are concerned your child may be struggling with an eating disorder, reach out for professional medical help.
Here is a list of non-appearance based compliments
If you observe your son commenting negatively (or if you see media content where others comment negatively) on body weight, shape, eating habits, or appearance, have an open conversation about how these are not acceptable or appropriate and are hurtful & disrespectful to others.
Parents, I know you are doing your best! Keep these tips in mind are you help to raise the next generation of boys into men who feel good about themselves!
Jenn Messina is a Registered Dietitian based in beautiful Vancouver, B.C. Jenn is passionate about all aspects of holistic health and practices through the lens of Health at Every Size® and Intuitive Eating. She works with individuals who are ready to break up with dieting and find balance and joy with food! She also works with families looking to support their children to have a healthy relationship with food and their bodies. Follow her on Instagram: @jennthedietitian and visit her online www.jennmessina.com
Footnotes
1https://mediasmarts.ca/digital-media-literacy/media-issues/body-image/body-image-%E2%80%93-boys
2 https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/statistics-research-eating-disorders
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