Why do so many girls and young women hate their bodies?

From Nine To Noon, 11:30 am on 17 December 2020
A photo of an anorexic girl measuring her waist

Photo: mirage3/123RF

A new report into the way many girls and young women regard their bodies paints a sobering picture, with 72% of young people surveyed reporting feeling negatively about their appearance at some point in the day - and for quarter of them, it’s an all-day feeling.

Two thirds of them avoid activities when they don’t feel good about their appearance - mostly sports and social situations. The Body Image report has been researched and written by the YWCA's Advocacy and Insights Manager, Anna Beard. She tells Kathryn there needs to be a nationwide change on how we talk about bodies, diet and fat - and she shares her top do's and dont's for parents.