Adultish: The Body Image Book for Life with Dr Charlotte Markey

Charlotte Markey, Ph.D., is a body image scientist, having studied body image and eating behaviors for nearly three decades. She is passionate about understanding how to help people have a healthy relationship with their body and food. Charlotte is a psychology professor at Rutgers University and a research scientist who has published over 100 scholarly articles and chapters about health issues.

Dr. Markey is also an book author, having most recently published The Body Image Book series ( The Body Image Book for Girls in 2020; The Body Image Book for Boys in 2022, and Adultish: The Body Image Book for Life in 2024). She also recently co-edited the 3-volume Encyclopedia of Mental Health (2023). She writes regularly for news outlets such as Psychology Today and is often interviewed for TV, news articles, and podcasts including the NY Times , Washington Post , and NBC.

This week, we discuss:

  • Body image, how it differs across genders and the importance of tailored body image support.
  • The impact of comments on body image.
  • Preventative measures for body image concerns that parents can implement.
  • Shifting the current body image narrative and nurturing positive body image.
  • The impact on body image of societal pressures to look a certain way.
  • Navigating a changing body through aging and enjoying life's journey and what your body enables you to go through.

To learn more about Charlotte Markey, you can visit her website at www.CharlotteMarkey.com or the books’ webpages www.TheBodyImageBook.com

Connect with her on Facebook (Dr. Charlotte Markey), Instagram (@char_markey), TikTok (@charmarkey), Threads (@char_markey), or Substack (@BODY TALK).

Please note that this podcast explores topics some individuals may find difficult to hear and should not be used as a replacement for professional advice. If you need further support after this podcast, please consider talking to someone you trust. You may also wish to reach out to your GP or mental health professional.

We've included a list of additional support options in case you need them:

Samaritans are here for whatever you are going through. You can call free any time, from any phone, on 116 123.

FirstSteps Eating Disorders is an eating disorders charity for children and their families, young people, and adults affected by eating difficulties and disorders. You can call them on or email info@firststepsed.co.uk.

Beat Eating Disorders is an eating disorder charity offering support for those with or supporting someone with an eating disorder. You can call their helpline for free on 0808 801 0677 (England), 0808 801 0432 (Scotland), 0808 801 0433 (Wales), 0808 801 0434 (Northern Ireland).

Recent Posts

By Hannah Hickinbotham September 7, 2026
A guide for teachers on recognising the early signs of an eating disorder, beyond weight and appearance
By Hannah Hickinbotham August 31, 2026
Reconnecting With Appetite in Eating Disorder Recovery
Compulsive Exercise, Eating Disorders & Fixing Gym Culture with Sophie du Plessis
By Hannah Hickinbotham August 23, 2026
ED advocate and trainee nurse, Sophie, shares the story behind her campaign, ED informed, to raise awareness of eating disorders and reduce disordered eating in gym cultures.
By Hannah Hickinbotham August 17, 2026
Why is binge eating disorder still missed by GPs? Dr Stella Kozmér unpacks screening gaps, weight stigma, and what GLP-1 meds might mean for BED.
By Hannah Hickinbotham August 10, 2026
Learning how to spot toxic wellness culture with Elle Mace on 17 years of disordered eating, body dysmorphia, and finding real food freedom.
By Hannah Hickinbotham August 3, 2026
From Control to Connection through Recovery and Transitioning
Show More