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

Understanding ARFID Through the Lens of Emetophobia
By Hannah Hickinbotham September 8, 2025
Emetophobia is the intense fear of vomiting. Learn how it shows up in daily life, how it connects with eating disorders like ARFID, and what strategies can help.
The Illusion of Healing Binge Eating Disorder with Weight Loss Medication
By Hannah Hickinbotham September 1, 2025
Discover why GLP-1 medications like Ozempic may reduce food noise but can't heal binge eating disorder. Explore what true recovery involves, from regular eating to emotional awareness and reconnecting with your body.
The hidden costs of cosmetic procedures in body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
By Hannah Hickinbotham August 28, 2025
Explore why cosmetic surgery often fails to resolve body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), the crucial role of clinicians, and how tools like Prepare support safer, more informed aesthetic decisions.
By Hannah Hickinbotham August 18, 2025
ARFID needs urgent recognition - and we're here to help with that.
The Realities of Living with  Binge Eating Disorder
By Hannah Hickinbotham August 11, 2025
Binge eating disorder is one of the most misunderstood eating disorders. In this heartfelt conversation, advocate Zoe Hazel shares her lived experience, the truth behind the stigma, and practical steps toward recovery.
Breaking the cycle - how to talk to children about food
By Hannah Hickinbotham August 1, 2025
Discover how to talk to children about food in a healthy, inclusive way. Learn from Dr. Anna Colton about breaking intergenerational diet culture and healing together.
Show More