Dr. Charlotte Markey, a world-leading expert in body image research shares insights from her new book, Adult-ish: The Body Image Book for Life.

Understanding body image is a lifelong journey that extends beyond adolescence into young adulthood. Dr. Charlotte Markey’s book, Adult-ish: The Body Image Book for Life, is a valuable resource for young adults navigating this journey, providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to foster a healthy body image. Below, Dr. Markey and I discuss key points from her book, framed in a detailed question-and-answer format.

What is Dr. Charlotte Markey?

Dr. Charlotte Markey: I’m a professor of psychology at Rutgers University, and I’ve been studying body image and eating behaviors for almost 30 years now. Adult-ish is the third book in my body image series, following books targeted at young girls and boys. This new book is meant for an older audience, specifically young adults aged 16 to 25. It aims to offer comprehensive advice on navigating body image issues as this group begins making more independent life choices.

What exactly does “body image” mean in your research?

Dr. Charlotte Markey: Body image is more than just how we think and feel about our appearance. It’s a central component of our identity and mental health. It influences our behaviors around eating, physical activity, and even substance use. A poor body image can significantly contribute to mental health issues like eating disorders, anxiety, and depression.

How does Adult-ish differ from your earlier books aimed at tweens and teens?

Dr. Charlotte Markey: The first two books, The Body Image Book for Girls and Being You: The Body Image Book for Boys, focused on younger readers aged 10 to 15 and included chapters on puberty and physical changes. Adult-ish, on the other hand, assumes that readers are mostly past the puberty stage. It delves into issues more relevant to late teens and early twenties, like making independent food decisions, managing social media use, and navigating relationships.

How does social media impact body image, especially for young adults?

Dr. Charlotte Markey: Social media can be a double-edged sword. While it offers opportunities for building community and finding support, it can also contribute to body dissatisfaction. Interestingly, young adults are generally more discerning than younger kids, but they’re still vulnerable due to the sheer amount of time they spend online. It’s crucial to educate young people on how to use social media healthfully.

How early do body image concerns start, and what can parents do?

Dr. Charlotte Markey: Body image issues can start as early as four or five years old. Parents often don’t recognize these concerns until their children are teenagers and begin acting on them. If you notice troubling behaviors, it’s essential to ask non-judgmental questions and, if necessary, seek professional help early. This approach keeps the lines of communication open and intercepts issues before they become severe.

What should parents of young adults do if they suspect body image issues?

Dr. Charlotte Markey: With young adults, the approach involves more observation, gentle questioning, and support. Parents should encourage their kids to consult healthcare professionals if concerns persist. It’s important to express that seeking help is part of caring for their overall well-being.

How did you structure Adult-ish, and what are the key topics covered?

Dr. Charlotte Markey: This body image book for young adults is organized into accessible chunks with themes ranging from nutrition and physical activity to mental health and relationships. Each chapter includes personal narratives, Q&A segments, and myth-busting facts. One of my favorite additions is the chapter on relationships, which explores how friendships and romantic entanglements can impact body image.

What practical advice do you give to young adults struggling with body image?

Dr. Charlotte Markey: I stress the importance of understanding that body size and shape are largely determined by genetics. I encourage young adults to shift their focus towards self-care activities that contribute to mental and physical health, such as balanced eating and regular exercise, without fixating on achieving a specific body type.

How can books like yours help when healthcare resources are limited?

Dr. Charlotte Markey: Books can serve as comprehensive resources that compile verified information in one place, making it easier for readers to understand complicated issues. While books can’t replace professional care, they provide valuable guidance, particularly when access to healthcare is a challenge.

Resources

• Listen to the interview.
• Watch the conversation.
• The Eating Disorders in Children Guide
• The Body Image Book for Girls
• Being You: The Body Image Book for Boys
• Kids Thrive at Every Size: How to Nourish Your Big, Small, or In-Between Child for a Lifetime of Health and Happiness
• Parenting Food Guide