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Signs of body image concerns

Which of these are some possible signs of negative body image? Select all that apply.

Avoiding certain activities to avoid sweating or messing up one’s hair or makeup.

Avoiding engaging in movement outside due to concerns of darkening skin.

Body language (e.g., not taking up space, covering stomach, frequently ‘fixing’ hair or clothes).

Body talk (e.g., making positive or negative comments about oneself or others, diet talk, sudden preoccupation with changing body shape, size or weight).

Social comparison (e.g., comparing one’s appearance to peers, other athletes or celebrities, comparing one’s appearance to people from different ethnic or racial backgrounds).

Body checking (e.g., frequently checking one’s appearance in the mirror, wearing baggy or ill-fitting clothing or clothing that is too tight, tugging on or ‘correcting’ the sport uniform during practice, weighing or measuring body and body parts).

Extreme eating habits (e.g., not eating when hungry, concerns of only eating ‘healthy’ or ‘good’ foods and avoiding ‘unhealthy’ or ‘bad’ foods).

Extreme exercise habits (e.g., working out excessively outside of regularly scheduled practice, exercising immediately after eating, exercising past the point of feeling tired, not taking enough rest days).

Rapid changes in body shape, size or weight.

Not wanting to be in team photos or videos.

Considering cosmetic procedures to change an aspect of appearance (e.g., shape of nose, size of lips, skin shade).

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Answer: All of these can be signs of negative body image among your athletes. Some can also be signs of disordered eating or eating disorders and therefore it’s important to pay attention to any red flags and take appropriate action. These behaviors may not always reflect negative body image but it’s important to be mindful of and sensitive when broaching these conversations with your athletes.

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