How to Help Children Combat Weight Anxiety and Feel Confident

Author: Unknown Reviewer: Unknown Curator: Unknown Production/Organizational Information: Unknown Title: How to Help Children Combat Weight Anxiety and Feel Confident Introduction: Teenagers often suffer weight-related anxiety. Support and understanding from parents can foster a positive self-image and healthy habits. Keywords: ['Mental Health', 'Teenagers']

"The pants have gotten tighter; have I gained weight again?" Pulling at the corners of your clothes in front of the mirror repeatedly while getting dressed. When watching short videos, coming across terms like "comic legs" and "ant waist" makes one subconsciously look down at themselves. Even because a classmate said, "You seem to have gained some weight," I secretly started dieting. I wish I could be a bit thinner. The entanglements hidden in our daily lives are actually the silent workings of "weight anxiety." Weight anxiety is not just about the fear of "gaining weight"; it's more related to the lack of acceptance of one's "self-image." Underneath it lie psychological knots related to aesthetic misconceptions and the binding of values. Today, let's talk about "weight anxiety" and discuss how we can help children relieve this anxiety. Let's take a look together! It's not that I'm afraid of getting fat; it's that I'm afraid of not being liked. Many people think that weight anxiety simply means "worrying about gaining weight," but it actually hides a more complex psychology behind it: 1. I have been misled by a singular aesthetic! Opening social media apps, the screen is filled with standards like "white, young, and thin" along with "straight shoulders," as if only those traits define what is considered "good-looking." Over time, teenagers may subconsciously feel that "if I don't meet these standards, I must not be attractive." Weighing your self-worth too heavily against your body weight! Some students may wonder, "If I were a bit thinner, would I be more popular?" "If I could wear size XS, would my friends admire my figure more?" In fact, this is a misconception! Your value is not determined by the number on the scale, but by yourself. The focus you have when solving a math problem, and the patience you show when helping a classmate with their questions, are far more precious than "losing a few pounds" and are what truly make you memorable to others. Always comparing yourself to others, forgetting your own pace! Some students see their desk mates only eating salad every day and start skipping staple foods. Others notice a friend who lost 3 pounds in a week and eagerly try intermittent fasting. However, everyone has different heights, body types, and metabolisms; there is no one-size-fits-all approach to body shape. Blindly following others' routines will only increase anxiety and may even harm one’s health. Try to let go of weight anxiety. You don't have to make drastic changes to relieve weight anxiety; small adjustments in your daily routine can make a difference. Here are some suggestions you can try: 1. Don't let standards confine you. ❌ Next time you come across a video of the perfect body, try asking yourself in your mind: "Does this figure really suit everyone?" "Am I more comfortable wearing a loose sweatshirt or a form-fitting outfit?" The essence of being attractive lies in being comfortable with oneself, not conforming to others' standards! For example, the healthy muscle lines of fitness bloggers, the slightly chubby yet fashionable style of outfit bloggers, and the comfortable and relaxed androgynous look, among others; gradually, one starts to realize that there are so many possibilities with body shapes, and that the way one looks now can also be quite charming. Don’t let numbers dictate your mood. 💥 Don’t obsessively check the scale every day, or even multiple times a day. Your weight can fluctuate by 2 to 3 pounds daily due to factors like hydration, meals, and exercise. Weighing yourself too often will only add to your anxiety. It’s better to make an agreement with yourself: weigh yourself once every week on a fixed morning and put the scale away at other times. More importantly, pay attention to how your body feels. For example, if you ran an extra lap today compared to last week, if you don’t get breathless after climbing stairs, or if you can enjoy your favorite meals without worry—these comfortable changes are much more meaningful than just numbers. 3. Say "no" to dieting. 🍰🍜🍣🍗 In fact, there's no need to be picky about food. If you feel like having fried chicken, just indulge in it occasionally without guilt. When you're at the cafeteria, it's fine to have a little of the vegetables, meat, and starches; just aim for a balanced diet. Some students intentionally skip breakfast and dinner or even eat and then secretly induce vomiting in order to lose weight. This not only causes discomfort in the stomach and makes them feel lethargic in class, but it also leads them to become more preoccupied with food, falling into a vicious cycle of "the more you restrict, the more you want to eat." Remember 📢📢: Eating is meant to recharge the body, not just to control weight when you're hungry. Those who eat well will have the energy to learn about the things they love and play the games they enjoy! 4. When faced with hurtful words, learn to respond gently. If a classmate jokingly says, "You've gained some weight recently," there's no need to rush to rebuttal or feel secretly upset. You might try responding with: "Yes, I've been eating my mom's braised pork a bit more lately, but I'm very happy!"; If family members always say, 'You should lose some weight,' I can sincerely say, 'I go for a walk every day now, and I feel very good, so don't worry about me!'" There’s no need to force others to agree with you; as long as you are clear about "I am satisfied with my body," such words will not affect you. Parents should be steadfast supporters. Let's focus on health and advantages instead of being critical of our bodies! Young people need a little help from those around them to break free from weight anxiety. Parents should avoid constantly mentioning weight and dieting. Instead of saying "eat less," they might suggest, "Let’s go cycling in the park this weekend." Rather than commenting, "That makes you look bigger," they could say, "That color looks really nice on you." Friends shouldn’t compete over who is thinner; instead, they should talk about other things: like going to see a new movie this weekend or asking if they've understood today’s math problem. When people stop fixating on body shapes, anxiety naturally decreases; if you notice a friend is dieting, you can gently say, "Don't go hungry, let's go eat something delicious together. Taking care of your health is the most important thing." In fact, the body during puberty is like a growing little tree—some grow quickly, some slowly, some are lush and leafy, while others are tall and slender. Each form has its own vitality. Weight is just a small label on the body; it does not define your entirety. When you shift your focus from the "number on the scale" to the "things you enjoy," like practicing a new piece of music, playing a basketball game with friends, or finishing an interesting book, you'll find that you have so many shining qualities and there's no need to be weighed down by your weight!