Last Updated on November 6, 2025 | Published: November 6, 2025 published by Jenny Tomei
Words That Stick
“Wow, you’ve lost weight!”
“You’ve gained a bit, haven’t you?”
“You’re so skinny – are you even eating?”
They might sound like harmless observations, even compliments. But for many young people, comments about bodies, big or small, can plant seeds of shame, self-doubt, and comparison.
Body talk is everywhere, in changing rooms, corridors, group chats, and it’s quietly fuelling negative body image and, in some cases, disordered eating.
The Hidden Impact of Body Shaming
Research shows that body shaming in schools, even when said jokingly, is strongly linked to poor body image and low self-esteem in adolescents – which, for some, can trigger restrictive eating, over-exercising, or binge-restrict cycles, and for others, lead to withdrawal, anxiety, or constant mirror checking.
Young people today already face intense pressure from social media filters, influencers, and unrealistic ideals. When peers or even teachers comment on weight or shape, it reinforces the idea that their value depends on how they look – not who they are.
And it’s not just fat-shaming. Comments like “you’re so skinny” can be equally harmful. What might seem like praise to one person can make another spiral into obsessive behaviours to maintain that “skinny” identity.
Why Schools Have a Role to Play
Schools are where students spend most of their time, and where social dynamics are powerful. If we can change how body talk happens there, we can change how young people think about themselves.
Teachers are often the first to notice changes in students:
- Skipping lunch
- Becoming withdrawn
- Avoiding PE
- Seeming anxious about their appearance
But beyond noticing, schools can help reshape culture – from casual teasing to conversations grounded in kindness, respect, and awareness.
Practical Steps Schools Can Take To Tackle Body Shaming
1. Make ‘Body Talk’ a Teachable Moment
When body comments come up, even as jokes, pause and discuss why they might hurt. Help students understand that nobody can tell someone’s health or worth from their size. Simple classroom reminders like “we don’t comment on bodies here” can go a long way.
2. Educate Early and Often
Introduce lessons about:
- The effects of body shaming on mental health and eating behaviours
- How the media manipulates images
- How to talk kindly about bodies (including our own)
These don’t need to be long PSHE sessions, even five minutes of honest conversation can shift perspectives.
At JenUp, we can help schools bring these topics to life…
Our talks and workshops are designed to educate and empower students, helping them understand the impact of body image, self-esteem, and eating behaviours, in a way that’s engaging, age-appropriate, and supportive.
3. Model Neutral Language
Staff play a huge part in shaping what’s “normal.” Avoid phrases like “I feel fat” or “I’ve been bad for eating cake.
Instead, model body-neutral or health-focused language: “I’m fuelling my body,” or “I’m moving because it makes me feel strong.”
4. Create Safe Spaces
Students struggling with body image need someone to turn to. Having visible support – school staff, wellbeing mentors, anonymous boxes, or a ‘body confidence week’ – helps normalise these conversations and shows students they’re not alone.
5. Involve Parents and Carers
Parents often unintentionally mirror the same kind of body talk at home. Inviting them into workshops or sending simple guidance on body-positive language can help reinforce consistency between school and home.
Body image issues don’t start in adulthood – they start with the comments we hear and the comparisons we learn. Schools can be the change.
Written by: Andreja Grigaityte
Useful Links:
Body Image Toolkit – https://jenup.co.uk/eating-disorder-resources/
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/articles/body-image-report-executive-summary
