Let’s talk honestly about what’s really happening with body image during puberty. If you’re a mom, you know your child’s body is changing fast—and so is the way they think and feel about their body. For adolescent boys and girls, the hardest age in puberty is usually between 13 and 15. This is when the mix of hormonal changes, social comparison, and media influences on body image really ramps up and can lead to both positive body image and negative body image struggles.
Why Body Image During Puberty Is So Tough for Adolescents
It’s not just about weight gain or a changing body mass index. Adolescence is a time when young people start to experience body dissatisfaction, compare their body looks to friends, and sometimes feel pressure to fit certain ideals. The way a teen’s body changes—hips widening, breasts developing, muscle growth, or even just a shift in weight status—can make them more likely to feel unsure or even unhappy about the way they look [1, 2, 3].
Research shows that adolescent girls are especially vulnerable to negative body image and increased body dissatisfaction, but adolescent boys can struggle too—just in different ways, like wanting to be taller or more muscular [4]. Social media and TV often show unrealistic “perfect” bodies, which can affect body image and make it harder for teens to appreciate their own bodies. Body image issues may start as early as elementary school, and by the hardest age in puberty, these worries can become a real risk factor for poor body image, depressive symptoms, and even eating disorder development.
Here’s What Many Moms Are Seeing at Home
Before we get into the bullet points, let’s paint a real picture: You might notice your child hiding under baggy clothes, skipping pool parties, or obsessing over their body weight or shape. Some kids start comparing themselves to what they see online, while others might even experiment with unhealthy eating or exercise habits to try to control their weight status and body image.
- Adolescents go through puberty at different rates. This means some girls and boys feel “behind” or “ahead,” which can lead to greater body dissatisfaction and social comparison.
- Media on body ideals is everywhere. Teens are bombarded with images that can increase the internalization of thin or muscular ideals, making it harder to maintain a positive view of their own body.
- Body image may shift quickly. One day your child might feel okay, but the next, a comment from a friend or a viral TikTok can trigger negative body image or even disordered eating behaviors.
- Poor body image is linked to mental health. Studies show a strong connection between negative body image, depressive symptoms, and risk of developing an eating disorder or unhealthy eating patterns [5].
- Body dissatisfaction may lead to risky behaviors. This includes skipping meals, extreme diets, or over-exercising—all of which can hurt both physical and mental health.
- Weight status and body image are connected. Kids with higher or lower body mass index can both experience body dissatisfaction, especially if they feel different from peers or media standards.
How Moms Can Help Adolescents Build Positive Body Image
As a mom, you have a huge influence on how your child experiences body changes and body image issues during adolescence. Here are some real-world ways to help adolescents develop body appreciation and resilience, even during the hardest age in puberty.
Before jumping into the tips, remember: Every adolescent’s journey is different, and what works for one child might not work for another. The key is to stay present, keep the conversation open, and focus on body positivity and body neutrality.
- Talk openly about body changes. Let your child know that everyone’s body goes through puberty differently, and that it’s normal to experience body dissatisfaction sometimes. Share your own stories and focus on how bodies function, not just how they look.
- Encourage a focus on functionality. Remind your child that their body is amazing for what it can do—run, dance, hug, laugh—not just how it appears. This “functionality focus” can help shift attention from attractiveness to body appreciation.
- Challenge negative body talk. If you hear your child (or their friends) saying negative things about their bodies, gently challenge those thoughts and encourage a more positive or neutral perspective.
- Limit media exposure and talk about media on body ideals. Discuss how social media and TV often show unrealistic bodies, and help your child spot digital editing and filters. Talk about how internalization of these ideals can affect body image.
- Watch for signs of disordered eating. If you notice your child skipping meals, obsessing over weight and shape, or showing signs of eating disturbance, it might be time to check in with a professional. Early intervention can help prevent eating disorders and support healthier habits.
- Promote body positivity and body neutrality. It’s okay if your child doesn’t love their body every day. Body neutrality—simply accepting and caring for one’s body without judgment—can be a powerful step toward better self-esteem.
- Choose comfortable, stage-appropriate bras. For adolescent girls, the right bra can make a huge difference in how they experience body changes. Suyiyi’s stage-based bras are designed for comfort and confidence at every step of adolescence. Learn more about choosing the right bra for your child’s stage at Suyiyi.
| Feature | Puberty Transparent Training Bra | Regular Training Bra |
|---|---|---|
| Shows lines under tees | No | Sometimes |
| Breathability | Excellent | Varies |
| Seamless design | Yes | Not always |
| Sensory-friendly | Often | Rarely |
| Quick-drying | Yes | Varies |
| Confidence boost | High | Medium |
Comparison of Puberty Transparent Training Bras vs. Regular Training Bras
FAQs
How can I tell if my child is struggling with negative body image or body image issues?
Look for changes in eating and exercise habits, withdrawal from activities, or negative comments about their body. Early signs may include increased social comparison, weight control attempts, or a sudden focus on body weight and shape.
What’s the difference between body positivity and body neutrality for adolescents?
Body positivity encourages loving and celebrating one’s body, while body neutrality is about accepting and caring for your body even if you don’t always feel positive. Both approaches can help adolescents reduce body dissatisfaction and develop a healthier relationship with their body.
Why do adolescent girls seem more affected by body image issues than boys?
Adolescent girls are often targeted by media and social pressures to be thin, which can lead to increased body dissatisfaction and a higher risk of eating disorders. Boys also struggle, but their concerns may focus more on muscle or height. Both groups are at risk, especially during the hardest age in puberty.
Can negative body image during adolescence lead to eating disorders?
Yes, body dissatisfaction is a strong predictor and risk factor for developing disordered eating and eating disorders. Addressing negative body image early can help prevent more serious issues down the line.
How can I help my adolescent develop a positive body image?
Keep conversations open, focus on what bodies can do, encourage healthy habits, and choose supportive, comfortable clothing like Suyiyi’s stage-based bras. Celebrate your child’s uniqueness and remind them that everyone’s journey through puberty is different.
About Suyiyi
Suyiyi is dedicated to helping adolescent girls feel comfortable and confident through every stage of puberty. Our bras are designed for real bodies, real growth, and real comfort. Explore our full range of stage-based bras for tweens and teens at Suyiyi.
Body image during puberty is a challenge for every adolescent, but with support, body positivity, and the right tools, you can help your child build confidence through even the hardest age in puberty.
References
[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4554432/
[2] https://www.ijcmph.com/index.php/ijcmph/article/view/7915
[3] https://journals.lww.com/ijcm/fulltext/2018/43001/are_body_image_issues_affecting_our_adolescents__a.9.aspx
[4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6586497/
[5] https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/body-image-and-eating-disorders/