Program Promotes Body Satisfaction And Healthy Eating For Children

Child's body dissatisfaction can be prevented, according to recent study. But poor body image prevention should start from the parents' intervention.

Confident Body, Confident Child (CBCC) is a program designed by the Academy for Eating Disorders and it demonstrated positive results in decreasing potential vulnerabilities for children's eating disorders and eventually promotes body satisfaction. Hence, the latest program might be the key to prevent people's disorder as it targets to equip parents with the right knowledge on how to help their children increase their self- esteem before puberty hits and peer pressure will start on damaging their mentality.

According to KidsHealth via Medical Daily, children began their struggle with their body image and confidence during puberty stage as their body goes through a lot of changes. Apparently, peer pressure and magazine covers -- displaying sexy images of models -- are among of the contributing factors that can damage young people's mentality.

But child's body dissatisfaction can be prevented with the help of CBCC. The study suggested that parenting practices included in the program can help parents on how to effectively handle their children -- who are going through the difficult stage -- to prevent any possible occurrence of unhealthy eating and body dissatisfaction.

Eating disorders mostly stem from having poor body image at a young age. Study found out that young girls began expressing concern about their weight at the young age. In fact, reseach findings identified that around 40 percent to 60 percent of girls -- ages between 6 and 12 -- are getting concern about their image, weight or being overweight. And while children are going through a lot of stress due to their image, parents can play an important role by fostering positive behavior surrounding the eating patterns.

"We are excited about this program because parents tell us it's exactly what they need in the current time of obesity fear and increasing disordered eating behaviors," said Dr. Hart, primary investigator of the study, as per NewsWise reported.