Body Image: I’m too fat, too skinny, not muscular enough…

Teenagers are probably more concerned with their body image that anyone else. Teen self esteem may rely on experiences such as being made fun of by peers or family members, basic comparisons to others or unrealistic self-identity goals.

It is necessary for kids to be educated about healthy lifestyles and self improvement, but when raising teens , you don’t want to go overboard with it. There is enough hatred and discouragement in the world. Home should be a safe haven.

If your teen is overweight (or “thinks” that they are) or they think that they need to put on a few pounds, or if they are amazed with body building, there may be some reason for concern.

You don’t want to end up dealing with an eating disorder or having your teen take steroids to get bigger. Their view of their body image may lead to such things as well as depression and teen risky behavior .

Support your teens…

Here are some Christian books that may be helpful...

Beauty Secrets:Tips for Teens from the Ultimate Makeover Artist By Dr. Deborah Newman & Rachel Newman / Focus on the Family The media is driving how girls feel about themselves. It's a path often leading to eating disorders, plastic surgery and self-depreciation in a battle with pop culture that not only destroys their bodies, but their spirits as well. Beauty Secrets arms young women with the truth from God's Word and a fresh perspective on genuine beauty and self worth.

Body. Beauty. Boys.: The Truth About Girls and How We See Ourselves By Sarah Bragg / New Hope Publlishing Find a truly beautiful person in the mirror with the help of an author that struggled with image for more than 10 years; discover the truth about real beauty and dispel the cultural lies. Rebuild your identity as you learn to see yourself as God does - a unique, beautiful, significant individual. In this journal-style book, you'll interact with Scriptures and shed light on the person God created you to be.

Comfortable in Your Own Skin:Making Peace with Your Body Image By Deborah Newman / Focus on the Family Rethink beauty beyond the skin and learn to see yourself as God does. Dr. Deborah Newman has combined biblical insight with her clinical experience to help women discover that they are God's works of art. After all, we were made in His image. Each page of this book will have women appreciating their uniqueness and finding not only God's acceptance, but self-acceptance.

SHE Teen: Safe, Healthy, Empowered By Rebecca St. James & Lynda Hunter Bjorklund / Thirsty Super-tough. Super-sexy. Ultra-compromising. Is this what it means to be a woman? Grammy Award-winning artist Rebecca St. James and coauthor Lynda Hunter Bjorklund want to give you a new choice. They want you to know that you can be Safe, Healthy, and Empowered by finding your identity in Christ. This eye-catching, full-color bookzine hits all the hot issues young ladies like you are dealing with--sex and purity, body image and eating disorders, boundaries and purpose. You'll also be encouraged to be all God made you to be. Inside you can: Test your intimacy IQ Do-it-yourself extreme makeover 8 ways to tell if he means trouble Plus, a fruit smoothie that will change your life

Supersize Your Faith By Dennis Tinerino / Destiny Image At 6 feet and 220 pounds of toned muscle, Dennis Tinerino was a winner---and a loser. Read the true story about a man who escaped poverty and violence in the Brooklyn projects to reach the pinnacle of bodybuilding success as Mr. America, Natural Mr. America and four Mr. Universe titles. His triumph is followed by a quick descent into darkness, but in prison Dennis finds his destiny as an eternal winner in the saving knowledge and grace of Jesus Christ. Learn how to super-size your faith while experiencing this champion's journey filled with drama, adventure, intrigue, and glamour. Explore the dark side of Hollywood, celebrity parties and the truth about steroid use. Celebrate the redemption of a convict who was transformed into a "Body-builder for Christ."

In addition to books, you might look for Christian videos , supportive groups for teens, or Christian chat rooms . If things get bad, Christian counseling might be in order to improve the concept of body image and self-esteem.

Where would you like to go next?

Back to Teen Parenting

To Eating Disorders

To resources for improving self concept

Interested in book reviews?

Return Home from Body Image