Body Shaming in Teenage Boys

For a wide variety of reasons, middle school and high school can be terribly trying for kids. For example, no one would be shocked to learn that teenagers face body shaming–both from culture broadly as well as from their peers and parents. Most people assume that body shaming is limited to girls. But the reality is that body shaming in teenage boys is also fairly common–to the point that 15% of teenage boys are currently trying to lose weight. 

Body shaming in teenage boys is a real phenomena–and it can have serious long term health consequences. These consequences can manifest both in terms of mental health and physical health. For example, body shaming can lead to struggles with depression, malnutrition, or slumping grades. 

What is Body Shaming?

Sometimes also known as “fat shaming,” body shaming is the act of using negative social pressure to comment or control someone’s body shape. Victims of body shaming can feel embarrassed, ashamed, anxious, or self-conscious. Those doing the body shaming may not even realize that’s what they are doing; often, they may simply feel they are commenting on the size or shape of another person’s body. (It’s not unusual for some people to hide behind the “good intention” of encouraging health and wellness–but this is still body shaming.)

In general, body shaming is used to favor one type of body (usually the more slender or athletic types) over another. Body shaming can take many forms, including the following:

  • Teasing or bullying, especially in school or in online spaces.

  • Unsolicited comments about one’s body. These comments can come from strangers or loved ones.

  • Negative comments about one’s body or what one eats.

  • Negative comments directed at the performance of one’s body.

Body Shaming in Teenage Boys

When it comes to body shaming in teenage boys, all of these same definitions apply. Even seemingly common phrases, such as “put some meat on those bones” can quickly become a form of body shaming. In this example, the implication is that the teenage boy is not muscled enough–and needs to be physically stronger in order to be accepted.

It should be noted that body shaming in this way is neither constructive nor helpful. 

What Body Shaming in Teenage Boys Looks Like

Over 64% of teenage boys have been shamed for the way they look. And while the number for teenage girls is significantly higher (over 90%), the fact that two thirds of boys have been body shamed is still alarming–and worth talking about!

The reality is that body shaming is a problem that most teenage boys will have to deal with at some point or another. And social media simply expands the reach (and power) of those doing the shaming. As a result, body shaming in teenage boys may take place in schools, at home, or online.

Unfortunately, this body shaming can have real and practical negative effects. Some of the most profound include the following:

  • Eating disorders: In extreme cases, teenagers can develop eating disorders, including anorexia and bulimia. Again, these symptoms are more common in girls–but they can and do occur in teenage boys with growing frequency.

  • Mental health challenges: Stress, anxiety, and depression are all common impacts associated with body shaming. 

  • Unhealthy eating habits: Body shaming comments can lead to deteriorating nutrition and other health issues. These habits can have a lifelong impact on your overall wellness.

Solutions for Body Shaming in Teenage Boys

Body shaming arises because some people are under the mistaken impression that there’s really only one way to be healthy or attractive. That’s why most nutritionists and physicians will now emphasize that everyone’s body is unique–and so are their wellness goals. 

For parents, in particular, there are a few things you can do to help foster a positive and healthy environment:

  • Be a good listener: It’s important to provide teenagers with a space where they feel safe enough to discuss their problems and insecurities. When your child brings concerns to you, try your best to listen with an open mind. This is especially true for teenage boys–especially because teenage boys are not always so readily encouraged to have open and honest discussions about body image. 

  • Do not negatively comment on your child’s appearance: You may think you’re doing your child a favor by telling him he needs to lose a few pounds or that he’d look good with some more muscle. Instead, make positive comments about healthy choices (for example, gently praise your child for eating a banana with breakfast). If health is an issue, bring it up during a regular check-up with a pediatrician–but not in a pejorative or judgmental way.

  • Keep realistic expectations: We can all agree that Chris Hemsworth looks great. But it’s important to remember that Chris Hemsworth’s full time job is, essentially, building muscle. That’s not realistic for anyone outside of Hollywood–and it’s important to remind your child not to compare themselves to these unrealistic expectations.

  • Model healthy behavior: If you talk negatively about your own body, your teen is going to pick up on that and internalize your body shaming. Instead, make sure you’re saying positive things about yourself and your body–appreciate the little things your body does every day to keep you healthy and happy! Find joy in your differences and diversity.

Talk to a Pediatrician About Healthy Habits

If you’re concerned about combating the body shaming your teenage boy might be encountering, talk to a pediatrician about the best way to create a positive and supportive environment. There are many ways to be healthy–which means your teenage boy will achieve better wellness without any body shaming.

Talk to your pediatrician at Children’s Healthcare Associates today.

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