Wellbeing

Food, Nutrition and Positive Body Image 

Conversations about food and nutrition are important, particularly for young people. Research shows that around 95% of young people experience some level of body image concern. In a culture that often promotes narrow and unrealistic beauty standards, it's important to remember that there is no single "ideal" body shape or definition of beauty.

According to a study by the Butterfly Foundation involving nearly 3,000 young people: 

• 57% were dissatisfied with the way their bodies looked. 

• 49% said body dissatisfaction had stopped them from attending school at some point. 

• 78% wished they were thinner or leaner. 

• 62% said social media made them feel dissatisfied with their bodies. 

• 72% said they frequently compared their bodies with those of their friends. 

Comparing ourselves to others—whether friends, classmates or people we see online—is often unfair and unrealistic. Many factors influence a person's body shape and size, including genetics, growth and development, hormones, health conditions and lifestyle.

Even if two people ate the same foods, exercised the same amount, used the same products and got the same amount of sleep, their bodies and overall wellbeing would still be different. Every body is unique. 

While it's important to talk about food and nutrition, it's equally important that these conversations promote a healthy, positive, and balanced relationship with food, rather than one based on guilt, restriction, or comparison. 

Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship with Food 

A strained relationship with food may include: 

• Feeling guilty about what you've eaten. 

• Constantly thinking about food or planning your day around it. 

• Linking food choices to self-worth (for example, "I'm good because I ate a salad" or "I'm bad because I ate dessert"). 

• Using food as a reward or punishment. 

• Becoming overly focused on counting calories or tracking macros. 

What a Healthy Relationship with Food Can Look Like 

A positive relationship with food includes: 

• Avoiding labels such as "good," "bad" or "treat" foods. 

• Focusing on nourishing your body rather than restricting it. 

• Eating enough to fuel your body and mind. 

• Enjoying food without fear or guilt. 

• Being able to eat flexibly and enjoy special occasions or spontaneous meals. 

Looking Beyond Diet Culture 

Diet culture is still very common, even when the word "diet" isn't used. Many products and programs are marketed using different language that can still encourage restrictive eating or unrealistic expectations. 

Be mindful of terms such as: 

• Gut healing 

• Cleanses 

• Detoxes 

• Fasting 

• Intermittent fasting 

• Counting macros 

• "Clean" eating 

• Unprocessed-only eating 

Not all of these approaches are harmful in every context, but it's important to consider where the advice comes from and whether it promotes a balanced, sustainable relationship with food. 

As a school community, we can support one another by encouraging healthy habits, celebrating body diversity and using positive, respectful language around food and body image. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with body image or their relationship with food, please reach out. Our school's wellbeing team is here to support students and families. 

The Butterfly Foundation also provides free support from trained counsellors for anyone affected by eating disorders, disordered eating or body image concerns. You can access support through their online chat at butterfly.org.au or by calling 1800 334 673.