Promoting Body Image Awareness – Interview Series #2: Meet “Myla”

07/20/25:

Did you know that around 80% of girls and 50% of boys in Western countries have body image concerns during high school, according to the data from the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) and the National Organization for Women (NOW)? The numbers are even higher for LGBTQ+ teens. People who struggle with body image are also more likely to develop eating disorders.

To help bring more attention to this issue, I’m starting an interview series with people I know. They’ll be sharing their personal stories—what they’ve gone through, how it’s affected them, and the ways they’ve learned to cope.

To keep things private, I’m using fake names for everyone I interview.

Q1. Overall, do you think you are satisfied with your body? Why or why not?

I am mostly satisfied with my body because I’ve come to know what my body is like over the past several years. Moreover, finding clothes that fit my body shape and style has significantly increased my confidence in my body. There are things I wish were different about my body, like being taller and more strong, but changes like that take time.

Q2. How has your body image affected your mental health?

My body image hasn’t drastically impacted my mental health. When I had body image issues in middle school (I thought I was too heavy), I wasn’t that aware of mental health as a condition and how it impacted me. However, I felt very self-conscious, but a lot of my peers felt the same way about their own bodies as well, which made it seem like a normal part of middle school.

Q3. Do you ever find yourself comparing your body to other people? How does that make you feel?

Sometimes I do find myself comparing my height and muscle to those of other people. I feel envious every time I look at a girl that’s taller and/or more muscular than me. However, just as quick as these emotions come, I’m quick to let them go, mostly because I don’t have energy or time to be envious. Envy takes a lot out of a person. I just remind myself that I’m healthy and go on with my day. I also tell myself that my body will grow at its own pace, and I need to be patient and not give up on exercising and eating well.

Q4. What advice would you give to people who are insecure about their bodies?

If someone’s teasing you or joking about your body, and you are not okay with it, tell them you think their words are rude and are hurting you. This advice may seem both obvious and hard to do, but remember, those that mock you are not your friends and aren’t worth your time. Worrying about what they think of you will give more power to the person that hurts you. Standing up for your body will give you more confidence and power over your image.