Health Pros Get a Body Image Boost

Trying to help others with their body image issues while you are still grappling with your own. This is a common challenge for health professionals (HPs). A recent study showed that HPs often miss the mark when it comes to understanding the complexities of body image. This is where the Body Image Fundamentals program comes in. It was created to give HPs a boost in knowledge and skills to tackle body image concerns. The program was tested over 16 weeks. Participants included dietitians, health coaches, fitness trainers, and nutritionists. They completed surveys before and after the program. These surveys had both closed and open-ended questions. The surveys checked how well the participants liked the program, how useful they found it, and how much they engaged with it. They also looked at how much the participants learned and if they put that knowledge into practice. The program's impact on the participants' own body image and related attitudes was also examined. Out of 127 participants who started, only 52 finished the program. This is a completion rate of 41%. The participants who finished the program reported high levels of satisfaction, usefulness, and understandability. The program showed significant improvements in body image knowledge and body appreciation. It also reduced the idealization of thin and athletic bodies and decreased anti-fat attitudes. The participants shared that they planned to use what they learned in their practices. They also mentioned that they needed clearer guidelines on how to apply what they learned. So, what does this all mean? The program shows promise in helping HPs better address body image concerns. However, there is still room for improvement. The program could benefit from clearer guidelines on how to apply the learned skills in practice. This would help HPs feel more confident in their ability to help others with body image issues. Body image is a complex issue. It's not just about how we see ourselves in the mirror. It's also about how we feel about ourselves and how we think others see us. This program is a step in the right direction. It helps HPs understand the complexities of body image and gives them the tools they need to help others. But it's just one piece of the puzzle. There's still more work to be done.