Promoting Body Image Awareness – Interview Series #7: Meet “Jason”
09/06/25:
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 quite satisfied with my body, as I consistently work out and exercise, despite the stereotype of “musician bods”. Watching my diet, and taking action has helped me to live the healthy life, even while sitting on a piano bench for hours on end.
Q2. How has your body image affected your mental health?
Naturally, with all teens, body image may correlate with one’s view on oneself as a human being - going through stages of life, I have learned to consider the big picture.
Q3. Do you ever find yourself comparing your body to other people? How does that make you feel?
Although working out has been an essential part of my life today, naturally one sees others and may feel out of place. As far as comparing my body to other people, I occasionally experience such a feeling, and it may feel uncomfortable, but I attempt to maintain, and remind myself of my own progress.
Q4. What advice would you give to people who are insecure about their bodies?
Everyone has their own reactions to such a feeling of insecurity - however, I would say that one should consider thinking of their own personal journey, in that everyone encounters a different path in their life.
