al girl-1575756_1920

How Being Queer, Autistic, and Physically Disabled Shapes My Body Image

, ,
As a teenager, I’d often be in a group with other girls when the subject of our bodies would come up. My friends traded anecdotes on which aspects of their body they loved least, and what was wrong with them. Because I didn’t chime in, most…
p924m805737f

Professional Ballerina Colleen Werner Wants to Create a Body-Positive Dance World

, ,
Colleen Werner, a professional ballerina in New York City, first got involved with dance when she was only three years old. Today, after overcoming body hatred and an eating disorder, Werner hopes to inspire others to stand up to an industry…
woman silhouette on beach autism piece

An Autistic Person’s Perspective on Building a Healthy Body Image After Trauma

, ,
In the beginning of April, I participated in a NEDA chat about eating disorders, body image issues, and how they affect me as an autistic woman. After the chat, I had so many thoughts swirling around in my brain. The questions and answers brought…
Woman with computer banner

What Does the Research Tell Us About Social Media and Body Image?

,
There’s been no lack of speculation about the effects of social media on body image and eating disorder recovery. On one hand, social media has fostered a diverse and vibrant body-positive and recovery community. On the other, social media…
2 resize 1f7a4f7ceaa045ed97c9643b88798f0d

Fostering Body Positivity in Children

,
I have been practicing psychotherapy for close to 18 years now. In this time, I’ve focused most of my work on the treatment of eating disorders. Having suffered with an eating disorder in high school, prevention, education, and treatment have…
silhouette-of-woman-holding-big-heart

Dear KJ: Is it Possible to Love My Body at My Current Size?

"Dear KJ" is a monthly advice column by Dr. Kjerstin "KJ" Gruys, sociologist, author and body image activist. She holds a Ph.D. in sociology with a focus on the politics of appearance and is the author of Mirror Mirror Off the Wall: How I Learned…
111 woman-in-mirror

I’m Fat on the Inside

, , ,
Once a year, the grocery store checkout magazines come out with their “Half my Size!” issue, featuring people who have dropped a significant amount of weight. They stand in one leg of their old jeans or flex in trendy athletic wear, smiling…
Don’t-like-what-you-see-in-the-mirror-You-need-to-read-this

Dear Melody: How Do I Cope with Body Dysmorphia?

,
“Monthly Matters with Melody” is a monthly advice column by Dr. Melody Moore, a clinical psychologist, yoga instructor and the founder of the Embody Love Movement Foundation. Her foundation is a non-profit whose mission is to empower girls…
2122 1-nokia_lumia_925_lifestyle-17

5 Inspirational Challenges That Will Actually Make You Feel Good About Yourself

,
Fitness and fad diet challenges be damned! Here are five challenges that will actually make you feel good about who you are. 1. Every time you bash yourself, say something nice to yourself in return. Everyone has heard the saying,…
international womens day message banner

9 International Women’s Day Messages from the NEDA Community

It's 2017 and women continue to live in a world that constantly devalues them and pressures them to meet unrealistic ideals. This International Women’s Day, get inspired by these powerful messages from nine NEDA community members. "Be…