Today I’m joined by Dr Charlotte Markey, Professor of Psychology at Rutgers University and a world-leading expert in body image research with over 25 years of research into body image and eating behaviours.



Girls today are facing growing pressures around appearance, and with the rise of social media and the lasting impact of the pandemic, it’s becoming even harder for young people to feel confident and comfortable in their bodies.

Charlotte’s updated book, The Body Image Book for Girls, is designed for ages 9–15 and gives practical, evidence-based tools to help girls understand puberty, navigate social media, challenge body image myths, and build a healthier relationship with their bodies.

If you’re a parent, teacher, clinician, or someone who cares about the pressures young people are growing up with today, this conversation is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Charlotte released an updated edition, and what’s changed in recent years
• How shame keeps body image struggles hidden, and why open conversations matter
• The different body pressures facing girls and boys today
• Why body image concerns often linger, even in eating disorder recovery
• Social media as a risk factor and how to make your feed safer
• Why puberty can be a particularly vulnerable time for girls’ body image
• How parents and educators can respond: validate first, ask questions, and seek support early

Timestamps:

• 00:00: Introduction and Charlotte’s background
• 03:40: Why the book exists and the importance of early support
• 12:20: Clinical insights: body image and eating disorder recovery
• 21:35: Social media, algorithms, and taking breaks
• 30:10: Puberty and body changes
• 38:35: Supporting young people: what adults can do

Resources & Links

• The Body Image Book series: TheBodyImageBook.com

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⚠️ Content Note: This episode includes discussion of body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, weight and appearance pressures, puberty, and social media. Please take care when listening.

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Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛