Last week, I spent a day working on an incredible project with The Embrace Collective, the organisation set up by 2023 Australian of the Year Taryn Brumfitt and international body image expert Dr Zali Yager. It was a day of filming, all about how to make sport more welcoming and inclusive for all bodies, and I left that shoot feeling pumped. Like we were changing the world.
And then I stepped back into the reality of 2024.
While catching up with some family friends, I overheard the following being said to my eldest daughter, Poppy, who is eight years old...
"Wow, you look like you've lost weight! Have you lost weight? You look great."
It was like someone had just dumped a bucket of ice-cold water over my head. I was completely shocked and reeling from what I'd heard. In that split-second moment, I decided to not draw attention to the comment. Which was an essential choice, as I literally had no words.
But I had every intention of following up that conversation with everyone involved. And here's why.
In Australia today, 77 per cent of adolescents report body image distress, and 33 per cent of adolescent girls meet the criteria for an eating disorder. Body dissatisfaction leads to negative mental health outcomes, a negative impact on physical health behaviours and increased risky behaviours. And we know that body commentary and a focus on appearance can contribute to body image issues.
Watch: Taryn Brumfitt's five tips to embrace you. Post continues below.
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