Beauty Sick

How the cultural obsession with appearance hurts girls and women.

Renee Engeln Ph.D.

Exercise as a Tool for Managing Anxiety

The research is clear that exercise, whether alone or combined with other treatments, can be a great way to reduce anxiety—and it can make you feel better almost immediately.

Why Instagram Is Worse for Body Image Than Facebook

Just seven minutes of Instagram use can decrease body satisfaction in young women.

How Yoga Improves Body Image

A large body of research now suggests that yoga — when practiced under the right conditions — can facilitate a sense of positive embodiment.

Stop Body Shaming During the Outbreak

Be gentle with the people on your social media feed and with yourself. Instead of focusing on weight gain, take this opportunity to show compassion to your body.

Yes, Victoria's Secret Models Are Getting Even Thinner

It's not your imagination. Victoria's Secret models have been getting thinner over time just as the average woman's body has been getting bigger.

Could Watching Television Make You Prefer Thinner Bodies?

Researchers found that even a few hours per week of watching Western television made participants find thinner women’s bodies more attractive.

Do “Instagram vs. Reality” Posts Make a Difference?

A new study suggests that showing how "fake" Instagram photos can be might improve women's body image.

Anorexia Rates May Be Increasing Among Young People

New research suggests that over the past 10 years, children between ages 8 and 12 are showing higher rates of this life-threatening disorder.

The Damaging Effect of Commenting on Pregnant Women’s Bodies

A new study finds that a majority of pregnant women report being shamed for weight gain. This can lead to stress, depression, and maladaptive eating.

Warnings That Images Are Digitally Altered? Don’t Bother

A new study finds warning that fashion ads have been digitally altered to improve models’ appearance does not help women’s body image or make the images seem less realistic.

Is Anti-Fat Bias Making People Sick?

Scientists conclude that weight-based stigma and discrimination explain part of the link between obesity and negative health outcomes.

The #nofilter Lie

Instagrammers often use the hashtag #nofilter to communicate the authenticity of their photos. But recent research suggests the #nofilter claim is frequently a lie.

Why Girls Are Rejecting the New “Curvy” Barbie

A new study reveals that 3-10 year-old girls tend to reject the new “curvy” Barbie, calling her “not pretty” and describing her as less likely to have friends.

Does Social Media Use Really Cause Depression in Teens?

Which comes first, depression or increased social media use? New research addresses the “chicken or the egg” question.

Why You Should Laugh at Celebrity Instagram Images

Go ahead, laugh at those overly-perfected celebrity Instagram images. Research shows it’s good for you.

What We're Getting Wrong About "Positive Body Image"

Despite all this talk of body positivity, there’s a lot we’re getting seriously wrong about the concept.

Four Ways to Turn Negative Body Thoughts Around

You can change the mental habit of berating your body and learn to think gentler, more accepting thoughts.

Is “Drunkorexia” a Real Thing?

Evidence is piling up that researchers and health practitioners can no longer ignore this toxic mix of disordered eating and dangerous drinking.

Fitness without Shame: A Resolution Backed by Science

Our motivations for exercise matter. Try framing fitness goals in terms of health instead of body shape.

7 Strategies to Shut Down Body Shaming from Family Members

Stand up against body shaming. A little compassion combined with a clear statement of your position can go a long way.

Eating Disorders—and Who Suffers from Them

Recent research suggests for eating disorders, girls and women who are members of different ethnic groups have more similarities than differences.

The Surprising Downside of Instagram Compliments

Research shows that reading compliments about appearance made on other people's Instagram posts can make you feel worse about your own body.

4 Mantras to Improve Body Image

Some carefully tailored self-talk can help you move away from the mirror and get back to living your life.

Why Are We in Denial about Dieting?

Long-term research fails to show that diets are a successful weight management strategy. Why do we still think we just haven’t found the right one yet?

The Psychological Cost of Posting Selfies

A new experiment shows the psychological costs of selfie posting: increased anxiety and decreased confidence.

You Don’t Have to Feel Beautiful to Care for Your Body

New studies show how women who struggle with body image can practice a kinder, gentler way of thinking about their body.

Three “Positive Body Image” Songs That Actually Aren’t

Given the flood of truly body-positive songs released recently, why not demand more from our lyrics and stick with songs that send healthier messages?

Why You Can't Stop Comparing Yourself to Media Images

Even when researchers showed women thin-ideal media images at a subconscious level, their body esteem still took a hit.

Want to Improve Your Body Image? Head Outside.

The next time you feel down about how you look, step away from the mirror and head to the park.

Three Questions to Ask Before Posting That Selfie

A few moments of reflection before you hit "post" can lead to healthier social media decisions.

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