Risk and protective factors for eating, weight, and body image problems

• Having a group of friends or being part of a social clique in which there is frequent discussion of weight, dieting, body size, and appearance puts teens at risk for disordered eating.
• Early teasing about weight, height, size or other aspects of appearance can lead to body dissatisfaction. Children and teens have long memories for being teased about their weight or appearance, even if it is just a few times. If they become dissatisfied with their appearance they are at risk for eating, weight or body image problems.
• "Fat talk" or talk about "feeling fat" is harmful. Fat is not a feeling. It is sometimes used as a metaphor by young people to express a depressed mood or low self-esteem about appearance. Young people who talk about "feeling fat" are at risk for poor body image and eating disorders.

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